First Gazans begin crossing to Egypt for medical treatment after partial Rafah reopening | DW News

Key Concepts

• Rafa Crossing: The primary border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, crucial for humanitarian aid and civilian movement.
• Medical Evacuations: The urgent need to transport wounded Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt for treatment unavailable within the Strip.
• Israeli Control: The extent of Israel’s authority over who and what can pass through the Rafa crossing, impacting its effectiveness as a humanitarian lifeline.
• Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: The severe lack of medical resources, ongoing bombardment, and restricted movement contributing to a dire situation for Palestinians.
• Ceasefire Agreement: The American-brokered agreement between Israel and Hamas, with the reopening of Rafa crossing as a key component.
• Freedom of Movement: The fundamental right to enter, exit, and return to one’s home without arbitrary restrictions.

The Partial Reopening of the Rafa Crossing and the Humanitarian Situation in Gaza

The Rafa crossing, closed for nearly two years due to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, has undergone a “partial reopening.” This development allows for the limited evacuation of wounded Palestinians to Egypt for medical treatment, a critical need given the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. However, the initial phase is characterized by strict security checks, limited capacity (approximately 150 patients and companions on Monday), and significant concerns regarding sustained access and genuine freedom of movement.

The Scale of the Medical Crisis:

The Ministry of Health in Gaza reports over 20,000 patients requiring treatment unavailable within the Gaza Strip, with a priority list of 6,000. This immense need is compounded by ongoing Israeli airstrikes, with 33 civilians, including half being children, killed in strikes the day prior to the crossing’s partial reopening. The continued violence ensures a constant influx of new injuries, exacerbating the existing crisis. Processing these 20,000 evacuations at the current rate is estimated to take years.

Restrictions and Concerns Regarding Israeli Control:

Despite the reopening, significant concerns remain about the extent of Israeli control over the crossing. Bushra Khaledi, Policy Lead for Oxfam in the occupied Palestinian territories, emphasizes that a “genuine reopening” requires consistent, predictable, and large-scale access. She cautions against premature celebration, citing past instances where announced openings failed to materialize in practice.

Khaledi highlights that true freedom of movement necessitates the passage of thousands of trucks carrying aid, not just limited evacuations approved by Israeli security. She details a multi-layered screening process – EU identification followed by Israeli security checks within Gaza – which effectively allows Israel to continue its “besiege” of the Gaza Strip and control movement beyond the crossing itself. This raises concerns about arbitrary denial of passage, family separation, and individuals being stranded in Egypt.

The Importance of Return and the Risk of Coercion:

A crucial aspect of the situation is the right of return for Palestinians. Khaledi shares a personal story of her father-in-law, an amputee currently stranded in Egypt, who desperately wishes to return to his home in Gaza, despite the lack of adequate medical care and the destruction of his house. She argues that restricting return constitutes another form of “collective punishment and coercion.” The ability to leave and return safely, without arbitrary control or exorbitant costs, is essential for a meaningful reopening.

The Rafa Crossing within the Ceasefire Agreement:

The reopening of the Rafa crossing is a key element of the American-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. However, current traffic levels are largely symbolic, with only a limited number of evacuations and a small number (approximately 50) expected to return to Gaza on the first day.

Personal Impact and the Humanitarian Worker’s Perspective:

Khaledi’s personal experience underscores the human cost of the closure. She, a humanitarian worker residing in the West Bank, is unable to enter Gaza to support her community. Her family has been split by the closure, with only a small number of relatives successfully evacuated at significant expense. This personal connection fuels her skepticism about announcements without tangible realities on the ground. She notes the immense cost associated with evacuation, highlighting the financial burden placed on families already facing immense hardship.

Notable Quotes:

• Raja Abu Mustafa: “For 2 years, we've been waiting for the crossing to open.” (Expressing the long-awaited hope for access to medical care.)
• Bushra Khaledi: “You cannot call it an opening if people can still be turned back after crossing.” (Emphasizing the importance of unrestricted movement.)
• Bushra Khaledi: “Otherwise, this isn't a reopening. It's another form of collective punishment and coercion.” (Highlighting the potential for the reopening to be a deceptive tactic.)
• Bushra Khaledi: “My father-in-law…he wants to die in his home.” (Illustrating the deep connection to the land and the desire to return despite hardship.)

Conclusion

The partial reopening of the Rafa crossing represents a small step forward in addressing the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. However, its effectiveness hinges on overcoming significant obstacles, primarily the extent of Israeli control and the need for sustained, large-scale access. The focus must shift from symbolic gestures to ensuring genuine freedom of movement, allowing for the safe evacuation of those requiring medical care and, crucially, enabling the right of return for Palestinians displaced by the conflict. Without these fundamental changes, the reopening risks becoming another form of control and coercion, failing to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza.