Rafah border crossing reopens between Gaza and Egypt after 18 months

The Rafah border crossing, the sole gateway between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, has officially reopened after a closure lasting more than 18 months. According to Egyptian state media, operations resumed on Monday, with an initial group of Palestinians arriving at the terminal. The reopening follows a trial run on Sunday and marks a critical step in easing the severe humanitarian isolation of the besieged enclave.

Initial Movements and Humanitarian Impact

Egypt's Al-Qahera News reported that 50 people are expected to leave Gaza, while another 50 are set to return. Israeli media indicated that approximately 150 patients and their companions are scheduled to exit for medical treatment in Egypt, with about 50 Palestinians entering Gaza. Health officials in Gaza estimate that roughly 22,000 patients are awaiting the crossing's full reopening to access vital medical care unavailable locally.

Context of Israeli Control and Closure

Israel has controlled the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing since May 2024, during its military campaign in Gaza that began in October 2023. The prolonged closure, attributed to Israeli restrictions, has severely hampered the movement of people and the delivery of humanitarian aid, exacerbating one of the world's most dire humanitarian crises.

Significance for Gaza and Regional Diplomacy

The reopening, even at a limited scale, is a significant development for Gaza's 2.3 million residents. It offers a lifeline for critically ill patients and signals a potential easing of the blockade. For nations like Türkiye, which has consistently advocated for unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza and a lasting ceasefire, the move is a positive but incremental step that must be expanded to allow for comprehensive aid and reconstruction.