Gaza Border Crossing Buzzes with Activity After Years of Near-Complete Closure

CAIRO – A tangible sense of motion returned to the Gaza-Egypt border on Sunday as the Rafah crossing, a vital artery for the Palestinian territory, showed signs of life after years of near-total closure. The reopening, initially a limited test, marks a critical milestone in the implementation of a fragile U.S.-brokered ceasefire and offers a glimmer of hope to the millions trapped in the war-ravaged enclave.

The crossing, which Palestinians view as their primary gateway to the outside world, has been largely sealed since Israeli forces seized it in May 2024. Its cautious reopening is a cornerstone of the ceasefire's second phase, signaling a potential shift from active conflict toward stabilization and reconstruction.

The First Steps of Reopening

Activity at the crossing began early Sunday, representing the first significant movement in months. The initial phase is a carefully managed test to ensure security protocols and operational systems are functional before a fuller resumption of travel.

According to an Egyptian official, Palestinian security officers were seen passing through the Egyptian gate to coordinate with a European Union mission tasked with supervising entry and exit procedures. Ambulances also crossed, a stark reminder of the urgent medical needs within Gaza.

COGAT, the Israeli military agency coordinating government activities in the Palestinian territories, confirmed the preparations. In a statement, the agency noted that the crossing was being readied for a more comprehensive operation and that Gazan residents would be permitted to pass once all systems were in place. The head of the new Palestinian administrative committee governing Gaza's daily affairs has indicated that two-way travel is expected to commence on Monday.

A Tightly Controlled Flow

The initial travel will be strictly limited and monitored, with no commercial goods permitted at this stage. The focus is on humanitarian cases and reuniting families separated by the conflict.

• Medical Evacuations: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has authorized the daily exit of 50 patients requiring medical care unavailable in Gaza's devastated healthcare system.
• Family Accompaniment: An official involved in the diplomatic talks confirmed each patient will be allowed to travel with up to two relatives, a crucial provision for those who are critically ill or for children.
• Returning Palestinians: Approximately 50 Palestinians who were outside of Gaza when the conflict escalated and were unable to return will be permitted to re-enter each day.
• Vetting and Supervision: A multi-layered security process will be in effect. Both Israeli and Egyptian authorities will vet all individuals applying to cross. On the ground, European Union border patrol agents will supervise the operations to ensure compliance with the agreed-upon terms.

Officials expect the number of travelers to gradually increase if this initial phase proves successful and secure.

The Humanitarian Imperative

The reopening addresses a dire humanitarian crisis. Years of blockade and more than two years of intense conflict have decimated Gaza's infrastructure, particularly its medical facilities.

An estimated 20,000 Palestinian children and adults are on waiting lists, hoping to leave for essential medical treatment. These cases range from complex surgeries to cancer treatments and care for severe war-related injuries.

However, coordination remains a challenge. Zaher al-Wahidi, a department head at the Gaza Health Ministry, told The Associated Press that the ministry had not yet received official notification regarding the start of medical evacuations. This highlights the complex logistical chain that must be established between Palestinian health officials, international bodies, and Israeli and Egyptian authorities.

The Diplomatic and Security Context

The Rafah crossing has long been a point of intense diplomatic and security focus. Its operation is governed by a complex agreement involving multiple parties, each with distinct concerns.

• Israel's Security Concerns: Israeli troops seized and closed the crossing in May 2024, citing the need to prevent Hamas from smuggling weapons and other illicit materials into Gaza. The recovery last week of the remains of the final hostage held in Gaza was a key development that cleared a major political obstacle for the Israeli government to approve the reopening.
• Egypt's Position: Cairo has consistently maintained that the crossing must be open for both entry and exit. Egyptian officials have expressed fears that a one-way opening could be used to permanently push Palestinians out of the enclave, a scenario Egypt is determined to prevent. Historically, both Egypt and Israel have vetted Palestinians seeking to use the crossing.
• Palestinian Governance: The crossing's management on the Gaza side is a key responsibility for the newly formed Palestinian administrative committee, which is tasked with governing Gaza's civil affairs as part of the ceasefire's second phase.

A Critical Component of a Fragile Truce

The reopening is a pivotal step in advancing the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement that took effect on October 10 of last year, halting a war that began with the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The truce is structured in two distinct phases.

• Phase One (Completed): This initial stage involved the exchange of all hostages held in Gaza for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. It also included a significant increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza and a partial pullback of Israeli troops from population centers.
• Phase Two (In Progress): This phase is far more complex and politically sensitive. It calls for installing the new Palestinian committee to govern Gaza, deploying an international security force, the disarmament of Hamas, and laying the groundwork for Gaza's reconstruction. The successful operation of the Rafah crossing is fundamental to achieving these objectives.

The Path Forward

The test at Rafah will be watched closely by all parties. A successful, secure reopening could build confidence and momentum for the more challenging aspects of the ceasefire's second phase.

The immediate next step is the transition from a test phase to a regular, albeit limited, daily flow of people. The key challenge will be ensuring the vetting process is both efficient enough to address the humanitarian backlog and robust enough to satisfy Israeli and Egyptian security requirements.

Looking further ahead, the question of allowing goods to cross will be paramount. The reconstruction of Gaza—a monumental task estimated to cost tens of billions of dollars—cannot begin in earnest without a functioning commercial crossing. For now, Rafah remains a lifeline for people, not goods, but its reopening is the most significant step yet toward ending Gaza's profound isolation.