The Rafah border crossing has been reopened for the movement of people for the first time since May 2024.
The crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt has been closed since Gaza was captured by Israeli forces. It had been blocked until the return of the body of the final Israeli hostage last week.
Many Palestinians see the Rafah crossing as a lifeline that allowed Palestinians greater freedom of movement and access to international travel, but there is frustration that only small numbers of people and no goods will be allowed through.
About 20,0000 sick and injured Palestinians are waiting to leave Gaza for treatment, according to local medical services and the WHO.
Winter conditions in Gaza, as well as inadequate sanitation facilities, are contributing to an influx of respiratory infections. 11 children have died from hypothermia in Gaza since winter began.
An Egyptian official said 50 Palestinians would cross in each direction on the first day of the crossing’s operation.
According to Israel, it will vet people, alongside Egypt, for exit and entry through the crossing, which will be supervised by European Union border patrol agents and a small Palestinian presence.
UN special rapporteur for the occupied territories, Francesca Albanese, spoke up on X, saying,
“Israel has NO authority to block anyone from entering the Palestinian territory it illegally occupies. Stop normalising the illegal occupation by bending to its diktats. Respect the ICJ deliberation: force Israel to end the occupation. Time for justice is NOW,”
The number of travellers is expected to increase over time if the system is successful.
The UK’s foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper, has welcomed the opening of the border, writing in a post on X,
“I welcome Rafah reopening for people to cross both ways on foot, allowing some in desperate need to access medical care in Egypt. But much more still needs to be done. Aid must flow in, restrictions on essential supplies must ease, & aid workers must be allowed to operate.”
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