Israel reopens Gaza’s key Rafah border crossing with Egypt
Yolande Knell,Middle East correspondent, JerusalemandHafsa Khalil
AFP Ambulances wait in line at the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing with the Gaza Strip (2 February 2026)AFP
Ambulances waiting at the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing on Monday morning
Only a few sick and wounded Palestinians from Gaza arrived in Egypt on Monday after the Rafah border crossing reopened for the movement of people.
The crossing has largely been closed since the Gazan side was captured by Israeli forces in May 2024.
The reopening was supposed to happen during the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas, which began in October. But Israel blocked it until the return of the body of the last Israeli hostage, which happened last week.
It will come as a relief to many Palestinians who see it as a lifeline to the world, although there is frustration that only small numbers of people and no goods will be allowed through.
©️The scope news
