Israel to reopen Rafah crossing with Egypt in limited pilot program

Israel Has Partially Reopened Rafah Border Crossing for Limited Passage of Gaza Residents

Israeli authorities announced that the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt has been partially reopened in a limited capacity, with residents set to begin passing through it on Monday. The crossing had been largely shut since May 2024, following Israel’s two-year conflict with Gaza.

According to COGAT, the Israeli military agency controlling aid to Gaza, the crossing was opened for the limited passage of residents only, in accordance with a ceasefire agreement and a directive from the political echelon. A complex has been completed as a screening facility for Palestinians passing through the Rafah crossing, which will be open for the movement of some people on Monday.

The reopening of the crossing comes amid concerns about the safety and security of Palestinian residents who wish to leave Gaza. Al Jazeera reported that many Palestinians are worried they won’t be able to return, with some seeking medical evacuation or continuing their education abroad.

According to Ismail al-Thawabta, director of Gaza’s Government Media Office, approximately 80,000 Palestinians who left Gaza during the conflict are seeking to return. An estimated 22,000 wounded and sick individuals are also in dire need of treatment abroad.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces have continued to carry out air raids on Gaza, resulting in at least 31 deaths on Saturday. The Israeli government has also announced that it will terminate the humanitarian operations of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in Gaza due to its failure to provide a list of Palestinian staff.

The decision follows Israel’s previous announcement that it would prevent aid organizations from working in Gaza from March 1, drawing widespread condemnation from NGOs and the United Nations.

Source: Al Jazeera