What's happened
Israel has partially reopened the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt for limited pedestrian movement, following months of closure since May 2024. The reopening occurs amid continued violence and reports of casualties in Gaza, with the crossing expected to facilitate the transfer of patients and aid, but key details remain uncertain.
What's behind the headline?
The partial reopening of Rafah marks a cautious step towards easing Gaza's humanitarian crisis, but it remains limited and uncertain. The Israeli government’s decision follows the recovery of Gvili’s remains, signaling a possible shift in conditions for broader access. However, the ongoing violence, including Israeli strikes killing at least 32 people on Saturday, underscores the fragile ceasefire and the risk of escalation. The reopening is likely to benefit patients and aid workers, but the restrictions and unclear entry quotas highlight the complex security considerations. The involvement of Egypt and the European Union indicates international pressure for a more sustained reopening, yet Israel’s control over Gaza’s borders and the broader conflict dynamics will continue to shape the situation. The next phase will depend on security assessments and political negotiations, with the potential for increased stability or further escalation.
What the papers say
The articles from SBS, The Japan Times, France 24, and The New Arab provide a comprehensive view of the reopening, emphasizing the limited scope and ongoing violence. SBS highlights the logistical and political conditions, noting the recovery of Gvili’s remains and the initial pilot phase. The Japan Times and France 24 focus on the violence and casualties, stressing that the ceasefire remains fragile despite the reopening. The New Arab underscores the ongoing casualties and the broader context of Israeli military actions, illustrating the persistent instability in Gaza. Contrasts between sources include the emphasis on humanitarian aid versus security concerns, with some outlets highlighting the international coordination efforts and others stressing the violence’s toll.
How we got here
The Rafah crossing has been closed since Israeli forces seized control in May 2024 during the Gaza war, with only brief reopenings in early 2025. The ceasefire that began in October 2024 included provisions for reopening the crossing, which is vital for aid and civilian movement. Israel had conditioned reopening on the return of Israeli hostages, including the remains of Ran Gvili, which were recovered days ago. The ongoing violence and Israeli military actions continue to impact Gaza's humanitarian situation, despite the ceasefire.
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Common question
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Why Did the Gaza Crossing Reopen Now?
The reopening of the Gaza crossing on February 1, 2026, marks a significant development amid ongoing conflict. After being closed since May 2024, the crossing's reopening raises questions about what it means for Gaza residents, the current security situation, and the logistical challenges involved. Here, we explore why this reopening happened and what it could mean for the region moving forward.
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Egypt, officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a transcontinental country spanning the northeast corner of Africa and southwest corner of Asia by a land bridge formed by the Sinai Peninsula.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.