Gaza–Egypt border reopens nearly two years after closure

Gaza’s only border crossing with Egypt partially reopened on Monday morning, February 2, nearly two years after it was closed by Israel, according to an Israeli security official. The reopening allows a limited number of Palestinians to enter and leave the war-ravaged enclave.

The Rafah crossing is being operated by the European Union as part of the final step of the first phase of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement that came into effect in mid-October. The crossing, which had remained largely shut since Israel seized control of it in May 2024, underwent preparations on Sunday involving the EU, Egypt and other parties responsible for managing the border.

In the initial days of operation, only 50 people per day will be permitted to cross in each direction, according to Egypt’s state-affiliated AlQahera News, citing an unnamed source. Earlier reports indicated that while up to 150 Palestinians may be allowed to leave Gaza daily, only 50 would be permitted to enter.

At Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Hospital in Deir al-Balah, patients began preparing for the possibility of travel. Ibrahim Al-Batran, a kidney dialysis patient, said medical care in Gaza remains extremely limited.

“Many people have died while waiting for treatment, and I may die today, tomorrow or the day after tomorrow while I’m waiting for treatment,” he said, noting that no patients had been allowed to leave until now.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health says more than 20,000 patients in Gaza are awaiting permission to travel abroad for medical care, including at least 440 life-threatening cases. Nearly 1,300 people have died after being forced to wait for treatment outside the territory, the ministry said.

Even with the reopening, significant barriers remain. High costs, lengthy bureaucratic procedures and security restrictions mean that few Palestinians can realistically expect to leave. Before the crossing was closed, some travelers reported paying thousands of dollars to pass through, a sum many cannot afford.

The reopening of Rafah was stipulated in the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, but Israel delayed it until the return of all living and deceased hostages. The final deceased hostage, Ran Gvili, was returned last week. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the reopening would be limited, with no passage of humanitarian aid or commercial goods.

The return of Gvili and the reopening of the Rafah crossing mark the conclusion of the first phase of the 20-point ceasefire deal. The United States announced the start of the second phase two weeks ago.

Ali Shaath, who heads the Palestinian technocratic committee expected to oversee Gaza, described the reopening as “a lifeline and a symbol of opportunity” for Palestinians in the enclave.