VIDEO: Gaza's Rafah crossing reopens for pedestrians in both directions starting today

• Partial reopening of the Rafah crossing begins under tight security limits as a new inspection corridor run by ‘Israel’ comes online.
• Medical needs in Gaza far exceed the initial daily exit cap, deepening concern over humanitarian access amid continued violations.

Movement of people through the Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt resumed on Monday in both directions on a limited basis and under strict restrictions.

The reopening comes two days after the recent ‘Israeli’ violations that killed dozens in the Gaza Strip, drawing condemnation from the European Union and several Arab and Islamic states.

The ‘Israeli’ army said on Sunday it had completed construction of an inspection corridor for arrivals from Egypt into Gaza via Rafah.

Read more: VIDEO: 'Israel' to partially reopen Gaza's Rafah crossing

The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories said the opening phase was “experimental” and coordinated with the European Union mission, Egypt, and other relevant parties.

The coordinator said Palestinians who left Gaza during the war would be allowed to return after coordination with Egypt and ‘Israeli’ security approval. The European mission would conduct an initial screening of travelers, followed by additional procedures along the axis controlled by the army.

Medical evacuations prioritized

The reopening allows for the transfer of wounded and sick Palestinians for treatment outside Gaza.

Adnan Abu Hasna, media adviser to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, said the World Health Organization would oversee medical transfers from Rafah.

He stressed that large numbers of patients must be allowed to leave, given the collapse of Gaza’s health facilities and their inability to provide adequate care.

Hamas warns of violations

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said any ‘Israeli’ obstruction or conditions imposed on the Rafah crossing would constitute a violation of the ceasefire agreement.

He called on mediators and guarantor states to closely monitor the conduct of the occupation at the crossing.

Medical workers also criticized the daily exit cap. “150 people a day is meaningless when more than 22,00 patients need treatment abroad,” a Gaza-based health official said to a regional news outlet. “Many will die waiting.”

Gap between needs and limits

A wide gap remains between urgent medical needs in Gaza and the security restrictions imposed by ‘Israel’ as part of the reopening mechanism.

‘Israeli’ estimates set an initial daily cap of about 150 people exiting Gaza. Gaza government media office director Ismail Al-Thawabta said about 22,000 patients and wounded people urgently need treatment abroad and already hold complete medical referrals.

At the current rate, evacuating all cases would take about 147 days, or nearly five months.

The reopening also focuses on the movement of individuals, with no clear provisions for urgently needed supplies. Gaza requires at least 600 aid trucks per day, according to estimates.

Continued attacks despite reopening

As the partial reopening began, ‘Israeli’ forces continued violations of the ceasefire that took effect in October.

Rising toll

The Gaza health ministry said the death toll from ‘Israeli’ genocidal crimes since Oct.7 has risen to 71,795 deaths, with 171,551 injured.

Last Saturday, hospitals received 26 killed and 68 wounded, according to the ministry.

It added that casualties from ‘Israeli’ violations of the October ceasefire have reached 523 deaths and 1,443 injured.

Regional and international condemnation

Foreign ministers from Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, and Indonesia issued a joint statement condemning repeated ‘Israeli’ violations of the ceasefire.

They warned that the actions represent a dangerous escalation that could inflame tensions and undermine political efforts to stabilize Gaza.

The European Union also condemned the repeated violations by ‘Israel’, urging respect for international humanitarian law.