After nearly two years of war, the Rafah border crossing in Gaza has reopened to Palestinians, an Israeli security official said. In the first phase, only 50 people in each direction will be allowed to pass through.
The opening follows Israeli forces taking control of the entrance to Egypt in May 2024. In this pilot phase, the operation is focused on humanitarian aid and is not yet open for regular travel by people.
According to Egyptian media, only 50 people will be allowed to cross from Gaza to Egypt and vice versa on the first day. Many Palestinians are lined up on the Egyptian side, waiting to enter their territory.
One of the beneficiaries of the opening, Mohammed Nassir, a Palestinian who was caught up in the war and had his leg amputated, said: "The Rafah crossing is our lifeline. I need to undergo surgery that is not available in Gaza but is available abroad."
The Rafah operation is open for approximately six hours a day, allowing residents and humanitarian assistance that are critical in the current situation. This is a step towards relief and assistance for those affected by the war.
