Chicago – February 02, 2026
The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt reopened Monday on a limited basis, enabling medical evacuees from Gaza to enter Egypt and a small number of Palestinians to return home amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas ceasefire.
Egyptian and Israeli security officials confirmed 50 Palestinians can cross in each direction daily during initial operations, primarily for patients and their escorts, with no goods permitted yet.
Gaza health officials estimate 20,000 children and adults need urgent medical evacuation, while thousands abroad seek repatriation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel will allow 50 patients out daily, each with up to two relatives, screened by Israel, Egypt, and EU agents.
Egypt’s health ministry prepared 150 hospitals nationwide for incoming patients. This symbolic step advances the U.S.-brokered truce’s second phase, following over two years of closure since Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel. If successful, crossings may expand, providing Gaza’s vital lifeline to the world.
