Closed after US and Israeli attacks on Iran: Rafah Border Crossing reopens

The Rafah Border Crossing, the only gate from the Gaza Strip to Egypt, had been closed for some time following attacks carried out by Israel and the US against Iran. With the latest announcement made today, it was reported that the crossing is functional again and has been opened for passage.

Palestinian news agencies reported that Israel had decided to close the border crossing following the attacks, citing security reasons. In particular, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), which coordinates civil affairs in the West Bank and Gaza under the Israeli Ministry of Defense, noted in an announcement on March 1 that "various necessary security arrangements have been implemented. In this context, the gates opening to the Gaza Strip, including the Rafah Border Crossing, have been closed until further notice," pointing out that the closure could be indefinite.

During the period when the Rafah Border Crossing was closed, the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and the evacuation of critically ill patients abroad were largely blocked. The reopening of the crossing has created hope regarding the humanitarian crisis in the region. Aid organizations and healthcare workers state that this development is extremely important, especially for accelerating the shipment of critical medicines, medical equipment, and basic food supplies.

The Rafah Border Crossing has long served as a vital corridor for the civilian population in Gaza. It is emphasized that keeping the crossing open will play a key role in improving humanitarian conditions in the region and in ensuring access to treatment for thousands of people affected by the crisis.