The Rafah crossing is the only way out of Gaza for Palestinians. With no airports and Israeli forces at all possible exits, it is unfeasible to leave Gaza any other way. The Rafah crossing–which connects the Gaza Strip to Egypt– has been closed since May 2024. It often closes during conflict and is heavily patrolled by Israeli security at all times. On March 15, Israel announced the crossing would reopen partially for pedestrian crossing, officially reopening days later on March 19.
EEAS, or The European External Action Service, says the first day the crossing opened, 25 individuals left Gaza for Egypt, including nine medical cases, with 25 people entering Gaza from Egypt.
They cite, “Since passenger movements began on 2 February, a total of 1,719 individuals have crossed through Rafah. This includes 869 entries into Gaza and 875 exits, with 310 of those crossings involving medical cases.” Egyptian Border Officials say the daily cap for entry into Egypt is 50 patients, each allowed a maximum of two companions.
Though seemingly a good thing, it isn’t all so black and white. Many Palestinians have no desire to trust Israel, with many believing the crossings’ opening is another excuse to kill more Palestinians.
The Security Council Report for April of this year states, “Citing figures from local health authorities, OCHA reported that 13 Palestinians were killed between 17 and 25 March. Since the announcement of the ceasefire in October 2025, 689 Palestinians have reportedly been killed.”
The war has affected Palestine significantly. It may be difficult to believe in hope after war has gone on for over two years now, making even a positive change frightful for most.
