Palestinians in Gaza are closely watching developments surrounding a potential reopening of the Rafah land crossing with Egypt, after more than two years of closure that has deepened humanitarian isolation and left thousands of urgent medical cases trapped inside the besieged enclave, Khaled Al-Waleed reports.
Rafah is Gaza’s only land crossing to the outside world via Egypt. Its prolonged closure has been one of the main factors worsening living conditions and crippling the health system, effectively sealing off Gaza from travel, treatment and basic humanitarian relief.
According to recent information, negotiations are under way to reopen the crossing in the coming days on a limited basis.
The initial phase is expected to allow the movement of people only, with priority given to patients, the wounded, humanitarian cases, and those holding foreign residencies or medical referrals.
These steps are reportedly linked to regional and international efforts aimed at stabilising the ceasefire and easing Gaza’s escalating humanitarian crisis.
Sources indicate that technical repairs and logistical preparations are being carried out to restore the crossing’s operation, following damage to its infrastructure in recent months.
Coordination between relevant parties is ongoing to ensure an organised and secure reopening.
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There is also discussion of an international monitoring role during the initial phase, intended to facilitate crossings under agreed mechanisms.
The Rafah crossing holds immense importance for Gaza’s population, as it represents the only route for travel, access to medical treatment abroad, and education outside the besieged strip.
Its reopening could ease the immense pressure on more than two million Palestinians facing severe shortages in healthcare and essential services under continued restrictions and blockade.
Despite the cautiously positive atmosphere surrounding talks of reopening, key details remain uncertain. The final procedures, the number of travellers allowed through, and the sustainability of the opening are still unclear, raising fears that the move could be partial or temporary amid ongoing political and security complications.
According to the latest official figures from Gaza’s Ministry of Health and international organisations, nearly 20,000 patients in Gaza currently hold complete medical referrals and are waiting for permission to travel for treatment abroad due to the closure of Rafah.
Since the crossing was shut on May 7, 2024, only around 3,100 patients have managed to leave Gaza for medical treatment through alternative routes.
If Rafah is reopened in practice, it would mark a significant humanitarian step and could signal the beginning of a long-awaited breakthrough for Gaza’s residents.
Many hope this opening will move beyond a limited measure and become a sustained lifeline, easing a crisis that has stretched on for more than two years.
