Gaza: Only 29% of planned Rafah crossings realized under Israeli restrictions

2026-02-17 - 05:35

The Gaza media office disclosed Monday that the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt operated at only 29% capacity between Feb. 2 and Feb. 15, with 811 travelers crossing in both directions out of 2,800 expected. The statement highlights severe restrictions since Israel reopened the Palestinian side of the crossing on Feb. 2 after controlling it since May 2024. Limited Movement, Unclear Criteria During the two-week period, 455 travelers departed Gaza, 356 arrived, and 26 were turned back. The media office stated it was not informed of the criteria determining scheduled traveler numbers. Egyptian and Israeli media had previously reported expectations of approximately 50 daily crossings each way for patients and companions, but the office said this has not been fully implemented. Medical Crisis and Displacement Rejection Palestinian estimates indicate approximately 22,000 wounded and sick individuals require travel outside Gaza for medical treatment amid the collapse of the health sector. Semi-official figures also show about 80,000 Palestinians have registered to return to Gaza, reflecting continued rejection of displacement despite widespread destruction from Israel's two-year war, which has killed over 72,000 and wounded more than 171,000 since October 2023. Ceasefire Context The Oct. 10, 2025 US-backed ceasefire halted major hostilities, but Gaza's Health Ministry reports Israeli forces have committed hundreds of violations through shelling and gunfire, killing 603 Palestinians and injuring 1,618 since the agreement took effect.