A. Rahman
Thousands of Palestinians in need of urgent medical care remain stuck in Gaza as Israel begins a pilot reopening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, raising both hope and deep frustration for families who have been waiting years for travel opportunities. The limited opening is intended as an initial test of what could become a slower-moving but vital portal out of the war-torn territory.
Sunday marked the first phase of this pilot operation, but clarity on who will be permitted to cross remains elusive. Nearly two years after the crossing was effectively shut when Israeli forces took control in May 2024, the reopening has stirred complex emotions among residents, especially those with serious medical needs. Israel, Egypt, and the European Union are coordinating the reopening, but detailed criteria for who can cross have not been fully announced.
For families like that of 16-year-old Nada Arhouma, the reopening means little right now. Nada suffered severe injuries during the war that left her without an eye and requiring ongoing treatment. Doctors in Gaza have exhausted multiple surgical efforts, but her condition has continued to deteriorate. Her father says the family cannot plan travel or medical evacuation because officials have not finalized the rules for who will be allowed out.
Palestinian health authorities say thousands of patients and wounded people are awaiting transfer for treatment abroad as Gaza’s health system struggles to provide basic care. The World Health Organization has repeatedly warned that the local health infrastructure is on the brink of collapse and that delays in evacuation put lives at risk.
Under the pilot reopening, Israeli authorities have reportedly begun limited activity at Rafah, including ambulances from the Egyptian Red Crescent entering Gaza as part of preparation efforts. Initial plans suggest that the movement of people in both directions may begin in earnest on Monday, with a daily cap on how many can leave or return.
Still, the process is far from a full reopening. Patients and families are facing uncertainty about whether they will be included on pre-approved lists, what travel days are permitted, and how the coordination with Egyptian authorities and EU monitors will work in practice. Israel has emphasised stringent security checks and prior approvals as conditions for crossing, leaving many people waiting without concrete timelines.
Aid organisations and medical advocates have argued that the limited scope of the reopening does not address the vast need for medical evacuation and family reunification. Some observers describe the pilot as an initial step but say it will require expansion and a clear operational framework before it can meaningfully ease Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
Summary:
Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt has begun a pilot reopening after nearly two years of closure, coordinated by Israel, Egypt and the EU. The move aims to allow limited movement of people, especially those needing urgent medical treatment abroad. However, patients and families say there is little clarity about who will be allowed to cross, leaving many in continued uncertainty and unable to make travel plans. Thousands remain in need of evacuation as Gaza’s health system struggles to cope with the aftermath of conflict.
