Gaza's Rafah crossing reopens with limited crossings amid reports of delays

The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt reopened after a two-day closure, allowing a limited number of Palestinians to cross; Palestinian officials and travelers reported delays and allegations of mistreatment.

The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt reopened on Sunday after a two-day closure, Egyptian state media reported. The crossing had first opened last week as part of a U.S.-backed ceasefire and then closed Friday and Saturday amid confusion over its operations. Egyptian television said Palestinians began crossing in both directions around noon, while Israeli officials did not immediately confirm. Palestinian officials and people who crossed reported delays and allegations of mistreatment at the crossing. Known details: - The crossing reopened following a two-day closure and had been reopened on Feb. 2 as part of a fragile ceasefire agreement. - United Nations data show that over the first four days just 36 Palestinians needing medical care and 62 companions were allowed to leave for treatment abroad. - Palestinian officials say nearly 20,000 people in Gaza are seeking medical exit; those who crossed described hours-long delays and reports of invasive searches and mistreatment involving Israeli forces and an Israeli-backed Palestinian armed group, Abu Shabab. - Negotiated restrictions set limits of 50 people returning to Gaza each day and 50 medical patients (with two companions each) allowed to leave, but far fewer people have actually crossed in both directions. Summary: The reopening has allowed only limited movement and left many medical and movement needs unmet, while officials and travelers reported processing delays and allegations of mistreatment. Daily caps and lower-than-agreed crossings have constrained the crossing's practical effect. Undetermined at this time.