Across the Gaza Strip, attention has turned once more to the Rafah crossing, where signs of a limited reopening have raised cautious hopes after more than two years of near-total closure. The shutdown, imposed during the genocidal war, has cut off one of Gaza’s last outlets to the outside world, intensifying isolation and leaving countless civilians without access to urgent medical care.

Current indications suggest that movement through the crossing may resume in the coming days, though only under strict conditions. Travel is expected to be restricted to people rather than goods, with priority given to the wounded, patients in need of specialised treatment, humanitarian cases and those holding foreign residency or medical referrals. These arrangements are understood to be part of broader regional and international efforts to shore up a fragile ceasefire after months of devastation.

Preparations on the ground are said to be under way, including repairs to infrastructure damaged during the genocidal war and discussions over possible international oversight in the early stages of any reopening. Yet uncertainty remains widespread. No clear framework has been announced regarding procedures, daily numbers, or whether such an opening would mark a lasting change or merely a temporary measure.

The scale of need is stark. Health authorities and international bodies estimate that tens of thousands of patients remain trapped in Gaza, waiting for permission to seek treatment abroad. Since the crossing was sealed in May 2024, only a small fraction have managed to leave through alternative routes, underscoring how restrictions continue to suffocate civilian life and limit access to lifesaving care.