Gaza’s Rafah border crossing has been reopened after being closed for almost two months, giving hope to the people of Palestine. However, there has been a noticeable absence of people crossing through the border, despite the long-awaited reopening. This has raised concerns among the residents of Gaza, who were eagerly waiting to be able to travel outside of their war-torn home.
The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip is the only passage for Palestinians to enter or leave the besieged territory without going through Israel. It has been a lifeline for the people of Gaza, who have been living under an Israeli blockade for over a decade. The closure of this vital crossing has severely impacted the daily lives of Palestinians, limiting their ability to access healthcare, education, and job opportunities.
After weeks of negotiations, Egypt finally agreed to reopen the Rafah border crossing for humanitarian purposes, allowing Palestinians who hold foreign passports or residency permits to leave or enter Gaza. This move has been welcomed by the international community, who have been closely monitoring the situation in Gaza.
The reopening of the Rafah border crossing has brought much-needed relief to the people of Gaza, who have been facing severe restrictions on their freedom of movement. For many, it was an opportunity to reunite with their families, seek medical treatment, or simply escape the dire living conditions in Gaza. However, to their disappointment, only a few have been able to cross the border so far.
The low number of people crossing through the Rafah border has been attributed to the strict regulations imposed by the Egyptian authorities. They have set certain conditions for travelers, including a valid visa, proof of residency abroad, and a negative COVID-19 test. These requirements have made it difficult for many Palestinians to travel, as they face challenges in obtaining the necessary documents and fulfilling the expensive testing requirements.
Moreover, the limited capacity of the Rafah border crossing has also played a significant role in the low number of people crossing. The crossing is operating at 25% of its capacity, with only 300 people allowed to cross each day. This has caused a backlog of people waiting to travel, creating further frustration for those who have been eagerly waiting for the border to reopen.
The people of Gaza have been living in one of the most densely populated and impoverished places on earth, with no access to the outside world. The reopening of the Rafah border crossing gave them a glimmer of hope in these challenging times. Still, the limited number of people being able to cross has dampened their spirits. Many families are still separated, and patients requiring urgent medical treatment are unable to leave Gaza, despite the border reopening.
The Palestinian authorities have called on Egypt to increase the capacity of the Rafah border crossing and ease the restrictions to allow more people to cross. They have also urged the international community to intervene and pressure Egypt to open the border fully for the free movement of people and goods.
The United Nations has also expressed its concern over the limited number of people crossing through the Rafah border and has urged both Egypt and Israel to lift their restrictions on the movement of people and goods in and out of Gaza. The UN has emphasized the need for the Rafah border to be fully operational and not just for humanitarian cases.
The reopening of the Rafah border crossing is undoubtedly a positive step towards easing the suffering of the people of Gaza. However, for it to truly make a difference, it needs to be fully operational, with no restrictions or limitations. The people of Gaza deserve the right to travel freely and have access to basic human needs, just like any other citizen of the world.
In a time when the world is facing a global pandemic, it is more important than ever to show compassion and solidarity towards those who are in need. The people of Gaza have been living under dire conditions for far too long, and the reopening of the Rafah border crossing gives them a glimmer of hope for a better future. It is now up to the international community to take action and ensure that the people of Gaza are not forgotten, and their voices are heard. The Rafah border crossing should be a symbol of hope and not a barrier to the people’s freedom and dignity.
