Gaza witnessed a limited and tentative reopening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt on Sunday after nearly two years of closure, offering a narrow humanitarian lifeline to the besieged enclave. The move, however, was overshadowed by Israel’s decision to ban Doctors Without Borders from operating in Gaza and by continued deadly airstrikes despite an ongoing ceasefire.
Rafah Crossing Reopens on a Trial Basis
The Rafah crossing, closed since May 2024, partially reopened under a pilot arrangement overseen by a European Union monitoring mission. Officials familiar with the process said the first day was devoted to technical checks and security coordination, with regular pedestrian movement expected to begin on Monday.
Movement through the crossing remains highly restricted. Palestinians who left Gaza during the war may return only if they have prior Israeli security clearance. Departures are currently limited to wounded and chronically ill patients requiring urgent medical treatment abroad.
Health authorities estimate that around 22,000 patients require evacuation, while the daily quota has been capped at approximately 150 people. Medical professionals warn that this number is far below what is needed to address Gaza’s escalating health crisis.
Despite its narrow scope, humanitarian organizations describe the reopening as a critical, though fragile, step toward restoring access to lifesaving care.
Doctors Without Borders Ordered to Leave
Separately, Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs announced on Sunday that it is terminating the operations of Doctors Without Borders in Gaza, dealing a severe blow to the territory’s already devastated healthcare system.
The decision followed an Israeli demand that all non-governmental organizations submit detailed lists of their Palestinian staff. Doctors Without Borders refused, citing serious security concerns and pointing to the killing of more than 1,700 healthcare workers since October 2023, including 15 of its own staff members.
The organization has been ordered to halt all activities and withdraw from Gaza by February 28, 2026. The move is part of a broader effort by Israel to decertify 37 humanitarian organizations it accuses of having links to militant groups, allegations that the affected organizations strongly deny.
Humanitarian officials warn that the expulsion of Doctors Without Borders will further undermine Gaza’s ability to deliver emergency surgery, trauma care, and primary health services.
Deadly Strikes Continue Despite Ceasefire
Violence has continued despite a ceasefire brokered by the United States, now in its second phase. Israeli airstrikes over the weekend killed at least 31 Palestinians, including six children, according to local health authorities. An additional fatality was reported on Sunday near the Wadi Gaza area.
Officials said the total number of Palestinians killed since the conflict began in October 2023 has reached 71,769.
The Israeli military said the strikes were carried out in response to alleged ceasefire violations by Hamas militants. Palestinian officials and aid groups argue that the attacks highlight the fragility of the truce and the worsening humanitarian conditions.
Phased Plan for Rafah Crossing
Phase — Date — Action
Pilot — February 1, 2026 — System checks, EU mission deployment, limited medical evacuations
Operating Model — February 2, 2026 — Regular passage begins for cleared individuals (about 150 per day)
Reconstruction — To be determined — Deployment of international security forces and reconstruction equipment
As Gaza enters February with cautious movement at Rafah, aid restrictions and renewed violence continue to cast doubt on whether these tentative steps can translate into meaningful humanitarian relief.
