Rafah Crossing Opens for Trial for the First Time Since the Start of the War
Rafah Crossing Opens for Trial Ahead of Official Resumption on Feb 2
Israeli media on Sunday published the first image of Rafah Crossing’s trial opening, ahead of its official resumption tomorrow, Feb 2, after being closed since the start of the war in Gaza.
Palestinian sources stated that the crossing will allow 50 Palestinians per day to enter from Egypt, while 50 patients and wounded individuals will exit for medical treatment, each accompanied by two relatives.
Photo of Rafah Crossing today with the arrival of the EU mission. Haaretz: Rafah Crossing opened in both directions this morning, although a security source told Haaretz that no residents are expected to pass today.
According to him, tests of the systems are being conducted today and a pilot model is being run in cooperation with Egypt and the EU. pic.twitter.com/byyruALLuY— Nadine Khammash (@NadineKh) February 1, 2026
The Director of Government Media in Gaza said the first phase of the crossing’s opening will be limited to patients, the wounded, and holders of Egyptian passports, noting “uncertainty” regarding operational procedures and the absence of Israeli authorities at the crossing. He added that more than 80,000 Palestinian families are in need of reunification, half in Gaza and half outside the territory, with over 18,000 medical referrals ready for travel for treatment.
From in front of Rafah Crossing on the Egyptian side after it was reopened for a trial today pic.twitter.com/MOQXY8fIiW
— Aya Megahed (@aya_megahed12) February 1, 2026
UNRWA called for an increase in the number of patients allowed to exit through the crossing, while Hamas warned against any Israeli attempts to impede operations, stating that additional restrictions could constitute a violation of the ceasefire agreement. Rafah Crossing is the only gateway from Gaza to the outside world via Egypt, and its prolonged closure has caused a humanitarian crisis, preventing patients and the wounded from accessing medical care.
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