The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt has been reopened for the first time amid ongoing conflict, allowing for the passage of patients and stranded individuals.
Official Egyptian media and a Red Crescent official reported that the Rafah crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt reopened on Thursday for the first time since the outbreak of the Israeli-American war on Iran. The crossing allows Palestinian patients to enter Egypt for treatment and for those stranded in Egypt to return to Gaza. Footage broadcasted by the Cairo News Channel showed Palestinians preparing to cross back to Gaza, including individuals previously receiving medical care in Egypt, and ambulances waiting to receive patients from Gaza.
Earlier in the week, Israel stated that the Rafah crossing would reopen on Wednesday, but this did not occur. The movement through the crossing is said to be contingent on security approval from Israel and will be monitored by an EU mission. Additional security checks will be implemented for those entering Gaza, specifically in areas controlled by the Israeli military according to the coordination agency for the government operations in the territories.
The reopening of the Rafah crossing is significant amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the current conflict, as it may provide necessary support for individuals requiring medical attention and facilitate the return of many displaced Palestinians. However, the conditions set by Israel for the crossing raise concerns regarding the accessibility and overall humanitarian conditions in Gaza as the conflict continues to unfold.
