Gazas border crossing to Egypt reopens in a key step for truce but only few Palestinians can cross

Published: Monday, February 2, 2026 at 9:57 am

Gaza's Rafah Border Crossing Reopens, But Limited Access Raises Concerns

CAIRO - The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt reopened on Monday, marking a significant step in the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. However, the reopening is largely symbolic, with only a limited number of Palestinians permitted to cross in either direction. No goods are currently allowed to enter the war-torn territory.

According to an Egyptian official, only 50 Palestinians were expected to cross in each direction on the first day. Gaza health officials estimate that approximately 20,000 Palestinians, including children and adults, are in need of medical care and hope to leave Gaza via the crossing. Thousands of other Palestinians are hoping to return home.

The reopening was confirmed by state-run Egyptian media and an Israeli security official. Before the war, Rafah served as the primary crossing for people entering and exiting Gaza. Under the ceasefire terms, Israel's military controls the area between the crossing and the main Palestinian residential zone.

Egypt is preparing to receive war-wounded Palestinians, with 150 hospitals ready to provide care. The Egyptian Red Crescent has also established safe spaces on the Egyptian side of the crossing. Israel has banned patients from being sent to hospitals in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem since the war began.

Israel and Egypt will vet individuals for entry and exit through Rafah, with supervision from European Union border patrol agents and a small Palestinian presence. The number of travelers is expected to increase if the system proves successful. Egypt has emphasized that the crossing must be open for Palestinians to enter and exit Gaza.

Despite the reopening, violence continues. A 3-year-old Palestinian boy was killed when an Israeli navy ship fired on a tent camp. Since the ceasefire began in October, over 520 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire.

The Rafah crossing was seized by Israeli troops in May 2024. The reopening is a key development as the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement moves into its second phase. The ceasefire halted over two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas. The second phase of the ceasefire deal is more complex, involving the establishment of a new Palestinian governing committee, the deployment of an international security force, the disarming of Hamas, and the commencement of rebuilding efforts.

BNN's Perspective: While the reopening of the Rafah crossing is a positive development, the limited access raises concerns about the practical impact on Palestinians in need. The international community must ensure that the crossing operates efficiently and that humanitarian aid and medical care can reach those who need it. The ongoing violence underscores the fragility of the ceasefire and the urgent need for a lasting resolution to the conflict.

Keywords: Gaza, Rafah, border crossing, Egypt, ceasefire, Israel, Hamas, Palestinians, medical care, humanitarian aid, violence, conflict, reopening, West Bank, East Jerusalem.

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