Gaza’s Rafah Crossing Reopening Fails to Deliver Relief as Restrictions Mount
Despite a partial reopening, the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt remains largely ineffective in providing critical aid to Palestinians, with severe restrictions imposed by Israel hindering access to medical care and exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis. According to data released by the United Nations, only 36 Palestinians requiring urgent medical treatment were permitted to leave for Egypt over the first four days of the crossing’s operation. This limited access casts serious doubt on the implementation of a supposed ceasefire brokered by the previous administration, which has been repeatedly undermined by ongoing Israeli attacks within Gaza.
The situation on the ground reveals a stark contrast to the promised improvements. Award-winning journalist Arwa Damon, founder of the nonprofit INARA which supports children impacted by conflict, described the pervasive sense of despair within Gaza, stating, “No one inside Gaza is calling this a ceasefire, not even the children.” Damon highlighted the daily struggles faced by children attempting to access even basic education, noting that makeshift schools are often disrupted by inclement weather and lack essential resources. “They said, ‘Because when the war is over, that’s when we will make our dreams come true,’” Damon recounted, relaying the words of seventh-grade girls attending one of INARA’s educational programs.
The limited operation of the Rafah crossing is particularly devastating for those with critical medical needs. While theoretically, 50 patients from a backlog of nearly 20,000 were to be allowed to leave each day, accompanied by two relatives, the reality has been drastically different. Only 37 patients were permitted to exit Gaza during the first week of the reopening. Damon emphasized the urgency of these cases, explaining that these individuals face permanent disability or death without access to treatment outside of Gaza, where the healthcare system has been “entirely decimated.” Over 1,000 people died last year while awaiting medical evacuation, underscoring the life-or-death stakes.
The flow of people into Gaza is even more restricted. Approximately 25,000 to 30,000 individuals have registered to return, but far fewer are being allowed entry. Testimonies from those permitted to re-enter Gaza reveal a pattern of aggressive interrogation, the confiscation of personal belongings, and, in some cases, blindfolding during transit through areas deemed “sensitive” by Israeli authorities.
Operating within Gaza is becoming increasingly difficult for aid organizations like INARA. Damon herself has been denied entry into Gaza by Israel for over a year, a restriction she is currently challenging through the Israeli court system. “But for all organizations, it’s becoming more and more difficult to operate because of these new regulations and restrictions that Israel has put into place,” she explained.
Beyond the medical crisis, Gaza is grappling with a catastrophic breakdown in its sanitation infrastructure. Years of bombardment have severely damaged sewage systems, forcing displaced populations to resort to makeshift solutions. When rainfall occurs, these rudimentary systems overflow, resulting in widespread flooding with sewage water, and a heightened risk of disease. Access to clean water, hygiene products, and essential medications is severely limited, further compounding the public health crisis. The elderly, particularly those with pre-existing conditions like heart disease or diabetes, are especially vulnerable, facing potential crises with limited access to care.
With the Trump administration’s envoys, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, suggesting a second phase of negotiations, the future remains uncertain. Damon expressed skepticism, stating that the current trajectory does not appear to prioritize the well-being of the Palestinian population. “People still expect to be forcibly displaced once again. People are terrified that they might eventually be pushed out of Gaza altogether,” she warned.
