Egypt says ready to receive Gaza wounded, aid as Rafah crossing nears reopening

Egyptian authorities have stated they stand ready to facilitate the transfer of wounded Palestinians from the Gaza Strip and to deliver substantial humanitarian aid as soon as the vital Rafah border crossing reopens. The announcement comes amid ongoing ceasefire arrangements and signals a potential critical step in alleviating the humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave.

Full Operational Readiness on the Egyptian Side

Major General Khaled Mujawir, the governor of Egypt's North Sinai region, made the declaration in an interview with Egyptian state television on Wednesday. He confirmed that the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing is fully prepared for developments. "The crisis management center is working on possible scenarios, including the delivery of aid, if developments allow, in preparation for the reopening of the crossing," Mujawir said. He emphasized comprehensive coordination with central authorities in Cairo, concluding, "We are 100% ready for the entry of aid and for receiving the wounded from the Gaza Strip."

Context of Ceasefire and Fulfilled Conditions

The reopening of the Rafah crossing is a key component of the first phase of a US-brokered ceasefire that took effect on October 10, 2025. Other conditions of this initial phase, such as the recovery and return of the remains of the last Israeli captive, have reportedly been fulfilled. Despite the truce, Israeli military actions in Gaza have continued periodically. Meanwhile, the political process has advanced to a second phase, marked by the formation of a new Palestinian National Administration Committee, led by technocrat Ali Shaas, to govern Gaza—a move announced by US envoy Steve Witkoff in mid-January.

A Lifeline for Gaza's Humanitarian Catastrophe

The Rafah crossing, the sole passage between Gaza and Egypt not directly controlled by Israel, has been closed and under Israeli military control since May 2024. Its reopening for two-way traffic is essential for scaling up the severely limited aid operation and allowing the evacuation of critically injured and ill Palestinians for treatment unavailable in Gaza's decimated healthcare system. According to Israel's state broadcaster KAN, the crossing is expected to reopen in both directions on February 1, 2026. Egypt's public readiness statement serves as both a logistical update and a diplomatic signal, reinforcing Cairo's role as a pivotal mediator and humanitarian corridor in the conflict.