Since the reopening of the Rafah land crossing, which had been closed for over 20 months, the Israeli occupation continues to bypass the operational mechanism negotiated during the ceasefire talks. It has not complied with the agreed daily numbers of travelers departing from and returning to the Gaza Strip. Recent statistics reveal that only 391 travelers have left Gaza in the 11 days since the crossing reopened, while only 302 have returned, despite an agreement allowing for a much larger number of travelers. This disruption has severely limited movement, particularly after the crossing was effectively closed for more than 100 days following the signing of the ceasefire agreement on October 10, 2023.

Official reports from Gaza indicate that a total of 693 travelers, out of a projected 2200, were supposed to pass through the Rafah crossing back and forth between February 2 and February 12, showcasing a compliance rate of only about 31%. Ismail Thawabteh, the director of the government media office in Gaza, explained that the agreement allowed for 200 travelers in the initial phase, which included 150 departures, yet the real figures reflect a stark deviation from these expectations.

This situation raises concerns about the humanitarian implications for people needing to travel for various reasons, including medical assistance and family reunification. The limited number of travelers being processed through the crossing may lead to growing frustration and desperation among the Gazans who are waiting for the opportunity to leave or return home. The manipulations of travel figures could further exacerbate tensions in the region, particularly as the blockade and restrictions continue to affect the lives of civilians in Gaza.