Rafah crossing partially reopens after weeks of closure

The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip partially reopened on March 19th after weeks of closure, as reported by Africa News and agencies on the same day.

The crossing resumed limited operations to allow the movement of specific groups, such as wounded Palestinians, foreign nationals and humanitarian cases.

A Palestinian official from the crossings committee said eight wounded Palestinians and 17 companions had crossed into Egypt.

Some aid deliveries were also permitted to enter Gaza through Rafah, which is a key route for people and supplies into and out of the enclave.

Egyptian authorities coordinated the reopening with relevant parties and said operations would remain restricted. Access is subject to approval, and movement is controlled.

The reopening enables evacuations and aid deliveries to resume. Rafah is one of the main exit points for civilians and a primary entry route for humanitarian assistance during periods of fighting.

Officials said procedures are in place to manage the flow of people and goods as operations resume.

The crossing has been closed for extended periods during the conflict, limiting aid deliveries and restricting the ability of civilians to leave the wartorn Palestinian enclave.

Furthermore, the closure has disrupted the supply of essential goods and delayed medical evacuations.

Egypt has coordinated previous openings of Rafah, including during earlier talks between Palestinian factions over its operation and more recent efforts to revive a Gaza ceasefire agreement. It has also facilitated evacuations and the entry of humanitarian aid.

Cairo has played a broader role in resolving the war on Gaza, including diplomatic efforts and post-conflict planning.

Egyptian officials have called for Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and held discussions with international partners on reconstruction plans for the enclave.

It has also warned that escalating regional tensions should not overshadow the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Humanitarian agencies have warned that restricted access through border crossings has worsened conditions in Gaza and delayed relief efforts.

Africa News and agencies, Reuters, Middle East Monitor, Maghrebi.org