Rafah Crossing

The Rafah Crossing is the primary border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, serving as a vital link for Palestinians to the outside world. It's newsworthy due to its reopening in February 2026 after being largely closed since May 2024. The reopening follows a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, but operations are limited, with restrictions on the number of people allowed to cross daily (around 150-200). While the reopening is a step forward, it's seen as largely symbolic due to the limited capacity and the continued ban on goods entering Gaza. Concerns remain about restricted re-entry for Palestinians, particularly those seeking medical treatment abroad. Israel retains security control, and humanitarian aid is still largely blocked. The crossing's operation is coordinated between Israel and Egypt, but disagreements have occurred regarding the terms of operation. The reopening is considered a test phase.