GAZA CITY: With Gaza’s vital Rafah border crossing expected to soon reopen, residents of the war-shattered territory are hoping to reunite with family members, or are looking to leave themselves.
The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt is the Palestinian territory’s only gateway to the outside world that does not lead to Israel and is a key entry point for both people and goods.
It has been closed since Israeli forces took control of it in May 2024, except for a limited reopening in early 2025, and other bids to reopen failed to materialize.
Following a US-brokered ceasefire that took effect in October, Rafah is expected to reopen for pedestrians, after visiting US envoys reportedly pressed Israeli officials to reopen the crossing.
“Opening the Rafah crossing means opening the door to life for me. I haven’t seen my wife and children for two years since they left at the beginning of the war and I was prevented from traveling,” said 48-year-old Mahmud Al-Natour, who hails from Gaza City.
