UN welcomes Rafah crossing reopening, calls for humanitarian corridor

The United Nations has welcomed the partial reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, a critical passage closed for approximately 18 months due to Israeli restrictions. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric emphasized the necessity for safe, voluntary civilian movement and a significant increase in humanitarian aid flows through all available crossings.

Calls for a Functional Aid Lifeline

While noting the reopening as a positive step, senior UN officials cautioned that the current limited access falls short of Gaza's immense requirements. UN relief chief Tom Fletcher stated on social media platform X that the crossing "must function as [a] real humanitarian corridor so we can surge lifesaving help." Dujarric echoed this, stating that essential supplies must enter "in sufficient quantities and with fewer restrictions."

Medical Evacuations and Ongoing Violence

The limited access permitted initial medical evacuations from Gaza, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), with some patients exiting directly to Egypt. However, the UN spokesperson also expressed deep concern over reports of continued civilian casualties from Israeli airstrikes over the weekend, condemning all such killings. These developments occur amidst a fragile ceasefire landscape marked by reported violations.

Context of Closure and Destruction

The Rafah crossing's Palestinian side had been under Israeli control since May 2024. Its reopening on a trial basis comes after a devastating two-year Israeli offensive that resulted in widespread Palestinian casualties and the near-total destruction of Gaza's infrastructure. The UN estimates reconstruction costs at around $70 billion, a process intended as part of a broader, yet inconsistently implemented, ceasefire agreement.