Rafah Crossing Reopens from Palestinian Side After Over Year of Closure

The Rafah border crossing has officially resumed operations from the Palestinian side after more than a year and a half of complete closure, marking a significant development in cross-border movement between Gaza and Egypt.

The crossing had been shut down since May 2024 after Israeli forces took control of the Palestinian side and designated the area as a military operations zone. The reopening allowed the first bus carrying Palestinian patients and injured individuals to enter Egyptian territory, accompanied by a vehicle bearing United Nations markings.

Monitoring procedures are ongoing to track the movement of individuals traveling from and to the Gaza Strip. According to available estimates, approximately 100 Palestinians are expected to cross on the first day of official operations.

Egyptian authorities continue intensive efforts to facilitate crossing procedures and ensure the safe transfer of patients and injured persons to designated medical facilities inside Egypt.