Israel agrees to limited reopening of Rafah border crossing in Gaza

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Lorenzo Tondo and agenciesFebruary 2, 2026 at 01:19 PM

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medium article 3 min

Israel has agreed to a limited reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, which it seized in May 2024, citing the need to prevent weapons smuggling. The reopening will allow a small number of Palestinians to cross on foot in each direction, subject to Israeli-Egyptian security screening. Before the conflict, Rafah was Gaza's only border crossing not controlled by Israel. The move aims to ease access to medical care and allow limited travel, but only 50 people will be permitted to cross each way initially. Thousands of Palestinians are seeking medical evacuation, including many cancer patients and children, as Gaza's healthcare system has been severely damaged by Israeli airstrikes. Thousands of civilians have registered with the World Health Organization for medical evacuation.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Reuters 30% Dalia Abu Kashef 40% Associated Press 40% Médecins Sans Frontières 40% Tamer al-Burai 50% World Health Organization ×250% Hamas 60% Egypt ×370% Palestinians ×380% Israel ×790% Gaza ×895% Rafah border crossing ×495%

Keywords

rafah border crossing 100% gaza 90% medical care 80% border reopening 70% palestinians 70% medical evacuation 60% health ministry 60% security screening 50% cancer treatment 50% weapons smuggling 40%