Israeli authorities have announced the partial reopening of the Rafah Crossing in southern Gaza, allowing limited travel in both directions beginning Wednesday. According to an Israeli military statement, the move followed what officials described as a security assessment, though strict controls on movement will remain in place during the ongoing genocidal war.

Travel through the crossing is expected to follow the same mechanism used previously, requiring advance security approval from Israeli authorities as well as coordination with Egypt. The process will also involve supervision by the European Union Border Assistance Mission Rafah, while additional inspections are expected to take place at checkpoints located in areas under Israeli control before travellers are allowed to proceed.

The crossing had been closed along with other access points to Gaza on 28 February, halting the flow of humanitarian supplies and preventing many patients and wounded Palestinians from leaving the territory to receive medical treatment abroad. Aid advocates warn that restrictions on the Rafah crossing, widely regarded as Gaza’s principal land route to the outside world, continue to worsen the humanitarian situation faced by residents of the enclave.

Observers say the partial reopening may allow a limited number of travellers to move through the border, but it remains unclear how many people will receive the necessary approvals. Humanitarian organisations stress that broader access is urgently needed to enable medical evacuations and the delivery of essential assistance during the ongoing genocidal war.