What's happened
The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt reopened on February 2, allowing limited medical evacuations and some movement of people. Despite the reopening, delays persisted, with only a few patients evacuated after hours of wait. Over 18,500 people remain awaiting assistance, with many dying while waiting for evacuation. The UN and aid groups call for unrestricted access.
What's behind the headline?
The reopening of Rafah marks a critical, yet limited, step toward easing humanitarian suffering in Gaza. The slow pace and restricted capacity highlight the fragility of the ceasefire and the ongoing political tensions. The fact that over 18,500 patients are waiting underscores the urgent need for unfettered access. This situation exposes the stark reality: aid is available just outside Gaza but remains inaccessible to many in dire need. The limited evacuations suggest that without broader political agreements, the humanitarian crisis will deepen, with more deaths and suffering likely. The international community’s calls for unrestricted aid and movement are unlikely to be fully heeded soon, risking further deterioration of conditions.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that only a fraction of those waiting have been able to cross, with delays causing deaths among patients. Emma Farge highlights the slow pace of evacuations, with only a dozen returnees after over 10 hours. Reuters emphasizes the ongoing vetting process and the high number of patients awaiting help, with over 18,500 people in need. All sources agree that the border's reopening is a positive step but remains hampered by operational and political hurdles, risking further humanitarian deterioration if not addressed.
How we got here
Following a two-year conflict, the Rafah crossing was reopened as part of a fragile ceasefire brokered by the US. Historically, the border has been politicized, especially during intense bombardments, restricting aid and movement. The recent reopening aims to facilitate medical evacuations and humanitarian aid, but operational challenges remain, including vetting processes and delays.
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