Rafah border crossing begins operation with limited access

CAIRO/GAZA, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Rafah land crossing began operating on Monday for the first time in more than one and a half years, as the first group of Palestinians awaited to enter the Gaza Strip from Egypt.

The crossing, the only channel linking Gaza with Egypt, was reopened in both directions on a limited and trial basis, said security sources at the crossing, without revealing details about the Palestinians traveling from the Gaza Strip to Egypt.

North Sinai hospitals will be the primary destination receiving wounded and ill Palestinians from the Strip, according to Egypt's state-affiliated Al Qahera News TV.

The Rafah crossing, Gaza's main gateway to the outside world, has been closed for more than a year and a half. Its reopening marks a crucial step following the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, which took effect on Oct. 10, 2025. ■