As Israel tests partial reopening of Rafah crossing with Egypt, what changes for Gazans? | DW News

Key Concepts

• Rafa Crossing: The sole land border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, not controlled by Israel.
• Ceasefire Agreement: The agreement necessitating the reopening of the Rafa crossing, contingent on the return of hostage remains.
• Israeli Security Checks: Continued Israeli control and oversight of movement through the Rafa crossing.
• Medical Evacuations: A primary need for Palestinians seeking treatment in Egypt.
• Palestinian Administrative Committee: A group of technocrats intended to assume administrative control in Gaza.
• Limited Capacity: Restrictions on the number of people allowed to cross daily.

Reopening of the Rafa Crossing: A Limited and Controlled Process

The Rafa crossing, the primary land link between Gaza and Egypt (excluding routes through Israel), is tentatively reopening today after being largely closed since May 24th. This reopening is a component of a recent ceasefire agreement, specifically contingent upon the repatriation of the remains of hostages held by Hamas, which occurred six days prior. However, the reopening is not unconditional and is currently described as “experimental.” Israeli authorities are reportedly “checking their systems” to determine capacity, with a “real opening” anticipated tomorrow or in the coming days.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that movement in and out of Gaza will remain subject to Israeli security checks, indicating continued Israeli control despite the crossing’s location between Egypt and Gaza. Initial reports suggest a limited daily capacity of approximately 150 individuals permitted to exit Gaza and 50 allowed to enter.

Significance of the Crossing and Existing Needs

The Rafa crossing is critically important for the 2.3 million residents of Gaza, serving as a vital connection to the outside world, particularly for medical care, education, and family reunification. Prior to its closure, it was frequently used for medical evacuations and allowed students to travel abroad. Currently, an estimated 17,000 Palestinians in Gaza urgently require medical evacuation.

Furthermore, a Palestinian technocratic committee, intended to take over administrative tasks from Hamas, is awaiting access through the Rafa crossing to enter Gaza. However, their entry, like all movement, is subject to Israeli approval.

Restrictions and Control Mechanisms

Despite the crossing being geographically located between Egypt and Gaza, it operates under full Israeli control. All individuals entering or leaving Gaza require Israeli authorization. While Israeli forces will not be physically present at the crossing, European officials and Palestinians will be, with those entering Gaza subsequently passing through an Israeli checkpoint.

It’s important to note that approximately 50% of the Gaza Strip remains under direct Israeli military control, even in the area surrounding the crossing. The limited daily capacity – 150 departures and 50 arrivals – is viewed with concern, raising fears that Israel is prioritizing departures over allowing Palestinians to return, particularly those stranded in Egypt since before the conflict. At the current rate, addressing the 17,000 urgent medical evacuation requests would take months.

Conflicting Reports and Operational Status

Journalist Karim Elgawari, reporting from Cairo, described the situation as an “experimental opening.” He emphasized that the crossing’s reopening is overdue according to the ceasefire agreement and essential for progressing to the second phase of the agreement. He also highlighted the discrepancy between the number of people needing evacuation and the limited capacity being offered.

As Elgawari stated, “This is not about Palestinian sovereignty. This is under full Israeli control.” This underscores the continued limitations on Palestinian autonomy and the significant influence Israel retains over movement in and out of Gaza.

Conclusion

The reopening of the Rafa crossing represents a limited and heavily controlled step forward in the aftermath of the ceasefire. While providing a crucial lifeline for Gaza’s residents, particularly those needing medical attention, the process is subject to stringent Israeli security checks and a severely restricted daily capacity. The situation remains fluid, with the full operational status of the crossing still uncertain and dependent on Israeli assessments. The long-term impact of this reopening will hinge on whether Israel expands capacity and allows for a more substantial flow of people and goods, or maintains the current restrictive approach.