The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt has reopened for the movement of people after being largely closed since May 2024. European Union officials are monitoring operations at the border while Palestinian staff manage daily passage.
Rafah crossing reopens under European Union monitoring
The European Union confirmed its civilian mission is deployed at the Rafah crossing to monitor operations and support Palestinian border guards. The confirmation followed a public statement by the EU’s foreign policy chief outlining the humanitarian significance of the reopening.
The update was shared by Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, in an X post. She said the reopening represents a positive step within the peace plan while stressing Gaza’s continuing need for humanitarian aid.
“The opening of the Rafah crossing marks a concrete and positive step in the peace plan,” said Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, European Commission. “For Gaza’s sick and wounded, the reopening is a lifeline.”
Israeli authorities said the crossing reopened for pedestrian movement following the arrival of the European Union Border Assistance Mission. The reopening allows both entry and exit, though under strict limitations and security checks.
The opening of the Rafah crossing comes on the heels of allegations that Israeli authorities violated the ceasefire agreement. Despite the reopening, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the United Nations Refugee and Works Agency (UNRWA) are close to shuttering their operations in the region.
Gaza-Egypt border mostly closed since May 2024
The Rafah crossing connects the Gaza Strip with Egypt and was mostly closed after Israeli forces captured the Gaza Strip in May 2024. Before the closure, it was Gaza’s main exit point for civilians and a key route for humanitarian aid.
Israeli officials stated that only about 50 patients may exit Gaza daily, accompanied by one or two relatives. Authorities also allow approximately 50 Palestinians who left during the war to return each day.
Local hospitals and the World Health Organization estimate around 20,000 sick and wounded Palestinians await medical evacuation. Health officials also warned that prolonged delays continue to worsen patient conditions and threaten lives.
An Israeli security official said the crossing opened following a trial operation completed earlier in the week. Palestinian officials have also confirmed that around 30 staff members arrived at the Egyptian side ahead of initial operations.
The World Health Organization oversees patient transfers from Gaza to the crossing using designated transport corridors. These patients travel by bus before entering Israeli-controlled areas for security clearance.
Humanitarian agencies like Save the Children highlighted the urgent needs in Gaza. This includes students waiting to access scholarships and families seeking reunification.
The charity also emphasised the critical shortage of supplies and called for the immediate and unrestricted opening of Rafah and other border crossings to ensure humanitarian assistance reaches those in need.
