Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt reopens after nearly two years

The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt reopened for limited two-way traffic after being closed for nearly two years. The reopening allowed for the evacuation of some wounded Palestinians to Egyptian hospitals and the return of other Palestinians from Egypt back into Gaza.

Egyptian authorities, including the Egyptian Red Crescent, have been sending regular aid convoys into Gaza and preparing hospitals in North Sinai to receive patients. The World Health Organization supported medical evacuations, and the European Union welcomed the crossing's reopening. However, reports describe complex procedures, delays, and mistreatment for some people trying to cross.

Movement through the crossing was described as a pilot or trial run, with only a limited number of people allowed to pass in each direction on the initial days. Aid groups said the flow of aid and evacuations was still far below what is needed, leaving thousands of people waiting.