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Israel Reopens Rafah Crossing on Trial Basis Amid Ongoing Gaza Strikes

Israel has partially reopened the Rafah border crossing with Egypt on a limited, trial basis for Gaza residents, marking its first opening since Israeli forces seized it in May. The move comes as Gaza's media office states approximately 80,000 Palestinians displaced during the war are waiting to re-enter the territory. Simultaneously, Israel announced it will terminate the operations of Doctors Without Borders in Gaza for failing to submit staff details. Meanwhile, Israeli military operations continue, with recent drone strikes in Rafah and central Gaza claiming more lives following air raids that killed dozens.

Key Points: Israel Partially Reopens Rafah Crossing in Pilot Move

  • Rafah crossing opens on trial basis
  • 80,000 displaced Palestinians seek return
  • Israel to expel Doctors Without Borders
  • Drone strikes continue in Gaza
  • Over 500 killed since October ceasefire
3 min read

Israel partially reopens Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt on trial basis

Israel reopens Gaza's Rafah crossing for limited movement on a trial basis as strikes continue and MSF faces expulsion from the territory.

"In accordance with the ceasefire agreement... the Rafah Crossing was opened today for the limited passage of residents only. - COGAT"

Tel Aviv, February 2

Israel on Sunday announced the partial reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt in a limited, pilot capacity, marking the first such move since the crossing was seized by Israeli forces in May last year, Al Jazeera reported.

According to Al Jazeera, citing Israeli authorities, the crossing has been opened on a trial basis for the restricted movement of Gaza residents.

The Israeli military agency responsible for overseeing aid to Gaza, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), said preparations are underway for broader operations, with residents expected to begin passing through the crossing from Monday.

"In accordance with the ceasefire agreement and a directive of the political echelon, the Rafah Crossing was opened today for the limited passage of residents only," COGAT said, as quoted by Al Jazeera.

The Israeli army said it has completed construction of a designated screening facility that will be used to process Palestinians entering and exiting Gaza via Rafah.

The crossing has remained largely closed for months amid Israel's prolonged military campaign in Gaza.

Gaza's Government Media Office said thousands of Palestinians displaced during the conflict are awaiting an opportunity to return. Ismail al-Thawabta, director of the media office, told Al Jazeera that around 80,000 Palestinians who left Gaza during the war are seeking to re-enter the territory.

Meanwhile, Israel announced it would terminate the operations of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in Gaza, citing the organisation's failure to submit required details of its Palestinian staff, Al Jazeera reported.

Israel's Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism said the requirement applies to all humanitarian organisations operating in the region.

In December, Israeli authorities said they would bar 37 aid groups, including MSF, from operating in Gaza from March 1 for failing to provide staff information, a move that drew criticism from humanitarian organisations and the United Nations.

At the same time, Israeli military operations continued across Gaza. A drone strike on Sunday killed one person in northwest Rafah city in southern Gaza, according to medical sources at the Nasser Medical Complex, Al Jazeera reported.

Palestinian media identified the victim as 63-year-old Khaled Hammad Ahmed Dahleez.

Another Israeli drone attack was reported in central Gaza's Wadi Gaza area, resulting in the death of one Palestinian.

The strikes followed Israeli air raids on Saturday that reportedly killed at least 31 people across northern and southern Gaza, as reported by Al Jazeera.

According to Al Jazeera, citing Palestinian authorities, at least 511 Palestinians have been killed and more than 1,400 injured since the US-backed ceasefire came into effect on October 10.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This is a welcome development. Any opening that allows civilians to move and potentially receive aid is positive. India has always stood for humanitarian causes and peaceful resolution. The world needs to ensure this pilot becomes a permanent, full-scale opening. The 80,000 waiting to return home must be the priority now.
A
Aman W
While the crossing reopening is good news, expelling Doctors Without Borders is a major red flag. 🚩 How can you claim to facilitate aid while kicking out the very organizations providing it? This seems more about control than compassion. The international community, including India, should push for unimpeded humanitarian access.
S
Sarah B
The report mentions a "designated screening facility." Given the security concerns, such measures are understandable. However, the process must be swift and humane. The real test will be if this leads to a sustained reduction in violence and a genuine pathway for aid and reconstruction. The ceasefire numbers are still horrifying.
V
Vikram M
As an Indian, our heart goes out to all civilians caught in conflict. We know the pain of partition and displacement. This "trial basis" opening feels like too little, too late. How can people plan their lives around uncertainty? A permanent, guaranteed corridor is needed. The world's attention must not waver.
K
Karthik V
The duality is stark. One hand opens a crossing, the other conducts drone strikes that kill civilians. The termination of MSF's operations is particularly worrying. India has provided medical aid globally; we understand its value. Blocking doctors during a humanitarian crisis is unacceptable, regardless of bureaucratic reasons given.

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