Israel's Rafah Crossing Reopens, But Only a Few Get To Leave
The highly anticipated reopening of the southern border crossing between Egypt and Gaza finally occurred on Monday, but it has been met with widespread disappointment as only five medical evacuees were allowed to leave the war-torn territory and 12 people returned home, far short of the promised 50.
Israeli authorities imposed strict security restrictions, which included requiring those who left Gaza during the conflict to undergo an exacting security clearance process before being allowed re-entry. This move has dealt a significant blow to the already dire situation in Gaza, where thousands are waiting for medical treatment that is now facing uncertainty due to the limited passage of patients.
The crossing's reopening was meant to alleviate more than 18 months of a military siege on Gaza but instead proved to be a hollow victory as Israeli authorities continued to block goods from passing freely through the border gate. A bus carrying 12 people, the first of its type to enter Gaza in over a year and a half, arrived in Khan Younis in southern Gaza early on Tuesday.
The restrictions imposed at the crossing have also led to the cancellation of many medical evacuations, leaving hundreds of patients waiting anxiously for approval. Gaza health officials estimate that around 20,000 people are still waiting to depart for medical treatment in Egypt and elsewhere.
The situation remains dire in Gaza, where violence continues across the territory, with Israeli attacks killing at least three Palestinians on Monday alone. According to Palestinian health authorities, this brings the total number of people killed since October 2023 to at least 71,800, with 171,555 injured.
The United Nations has expressed concern over the partial reopening of the crossing, stating that it must function as a genuine humanitarian corridor to deliver life-saving aid. Qatar has welcomed the opening but urged Israel to fully implement the deal to ensure the sustainable and unhindered flow of humanitarian aid to the Strip.
The highly anticipated reopening of the southern border crossing between Egypt and Gaza finally occurred on Monday, but it has been met with widespread disappointment as only five medical evacuees were allowed to leave the war-torn territory and 12 people returned home, far short of the promised 50.
Israeli authorities imposed strict security restrictions, which included requiring those who left Gaza during the conflict to undergo an exacting security clearance process before being allowed re-entry. This move has dealt a significant blow to the already dire situation in Gaza, where thousands are waiting for medical treatment that is now facing uncertainty due to the limited passage of patients.
The crossing's reopening was meant to alleviate more than 18 months of a military siege on Gaza but instead proved to be a hollow victory as Israeli authorities continued to block goods from passing freely through the border gate. A bus carrying 12 people, the first of its type to enter Gaza in over a year and a half, arrived in Khan Younis in southern Gaza early on Tuesday.
The restrictions imposed at the crossing have also led to the cancellation of many medical evacuations, leaving hundreds of patients waiting anxiously for approval. Gaza health officials estimate that around 20,000 people are still waiting to depart for medical treatment in Egypt and elsewhere.
The situation remains dire in Gaza, where violence continues across the territory, with Israeli attacks killing at least three Palestinians on Monday alone. According to Palestinian health authorities, this brings the total number of people killed since October 2023 to at least 71,800, with 171,555 injured.
The United Nations has expressed concern over the partial reopening of the crossing, stating that it must function as a genuine humanitarian corridor to deliver life-saving aid. Qatar has welcomed the opening but urged Israel to fully implement the deal to ensure the sustainable and unhindered flow of humanitarian aid to the Strip.