RAFAH – Gaza’s key Rafah border crossing was reopened to Palestinians yesterday, an Israeli security official said, but Egyptian state-linked media said only 50 people would be allowed to cross in each direction in the early days. 

The resumption of operations comes after Israeli forces seized control of the gateway to Egypt in May 2024 during the war with Hamas. 

A partial resumption of operations began on Sunday in a tightly restricted pilot phase that did not involve people traveling, following months of appeals from aid groups. 

“As of this time, and following the arrival of the EUBAM teams on behalf of the European Union, the Rafah crossing has now opened to the movement of residents, for both entry and exit,” the Israeli official said, referring to a European border assistance mission. 

Egyptian state-linked media reported that 50 people were expected to cross in each direction in the first days of the reopening. 

AlQahera News, which is linked to state intelligence, reported, citing an unnamed source, that “fifty people will depart Egypt for Gaza and fifty people will come from Gaza, in the first days of the operation”. 

A source at the border told AFP a few dozen people arrived on the Egyptian side on Monday, awaiting entry into Gaza. 

However, Israeli state broadcaster Kan reported that around 150 people were expected to leave Gaza for Egypt on Monday, including 50 patients. 

The report said around 50 others were also expected to enter the territory, adding that the crossing would be open for about six hours daily. 

“The Rafah crossing is a lifeline,” said Mohammed Nassir, a Palestinian who had his leg amputated after being injured early in the war. 

“I need to undergo surgery that is unavailable in Gaza but can be performed abroad.” 

AFP images from Sunday showed ambulances queued up on the Egyptian side, preparing to receive medical evacuees, who were expected to be the first groups allowed out. 

An official at Gaza’s health ministry, which operates under Hamas authority, said about 200 patients were waiting for permission to leave the territory. – Nampa/AFP