Families wait anxiously for Rafah crossing to reopen

Gaza families are watching the Rafah crossing closely as expectations build for a phased reopening under the peace plan. Israel has confirmed the border will reopen on Sunday (1st February), allowing “limited movement of people only.”

The Rafah crossing on Gaza’s southern edge has been closed to regular movement for more than a year, turning what was once the Strip's main civilian route to Egypt into the centre of renewed diplomatic efforts.

The crossing is central to the second phase of the U.S.-brokered peace plan, launched after Israel recovered the remains of the last hostage earlier this month.

Washington says that while preparations for reopening have begun, the scale of access and timing remain unclear as negotiations continue over screening procedures, security control and daily capacity.

Aid agencies warn that any initial reopening will meet overwhelming demand.

• Israel to reopen Gaza’s Rafah crossing for 'limited movement of people only'

Thousands are waiting for medical transfers, residency renewals and family reunification, and officials say humanitarian cases alone would far exceed early capacity at the crossing.

Hospitals across Gaza report growing stress as they handle cases requiring specialised treatment unavailable inside the Strip.

Doctors say the length of the closure has forced them to provide temporary procedures instead of full interventions, and delays risk long-term complications for patients.

Doctors Without Borders staff say shortages of sterile dressings, oxygen and basic supplies have become severe. Coordinator Emily Vandamme said no medical imports have entered since 1 January.

She warned that without renewed access, they will lose patients.

Maria’s story

Among those waiting to leave is 14-year-old Maria Abu Aawad, treated at a Doctors Without Borders field hospital in central Gaza.

Relatives say she was severely burned in a strike last September that killed most of her family.

She has undergone months of grafts and temporary treatment, but doctors say the procedures needed to complete her recovery are unavailable locally.

“I'm hoping to travel to complete my treatment so I can go back to normal,” she said.

Her aunt, Manal, says Maria struggles to walk and risks further deterioration if her transfer is delayed.

Staff at the clinic say she is one of many children in similar circumstances.

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Waiting for a decision

For families across Gaza, the question of Rafah’s reopening has become deeply personal.

The crossing represents access to medical care, family connection and the first step toward wider movement after months of isolation.

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Until an agreement is finalised and dates are set, they continue to wait for the moment the gates open.

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Rafah Crossing Gaza civilians Peace plan Gaza healthcare