First week of Rafah reopening sees 165 departures, 26 denied passage

• The Government Media Office in Gaza released a weekly report on travel through the Rafah crossing.
• The report covers the period from February 2 to February 7, 2026, the first week after the crossing’s reopening.

The Government Media Office in the Gaza Strip released on Sunday a detailed report on travel and arrivals through the Rafah land crossing over the past week, covering the period from Monday, February 2, to Saturday, February 7, 2026.

Weekly Overview: Departures and Arrivals

Dr. Ismail Al-Thawabta, Director General of the Government Media Office, said that a total of 165 travelers were able to depart during the four working days of the week, the majority of whom were humanitarian and medical cases.

In contrast, arrival records showed that 94 citizens returned to the Gaza Strip during the same period. The report also noted that 26 travelers were denied passage by authorities on the other side of the crossing and were sent back without any officially stated reasons.

Daily Breakdown of Rafah Crossing Movement

• Monday: 20 travelers departed, including five patients and 15 companions. Meanwhile, 12 people arrived in Gaza, among them nine women and three children.
• Tuesday: Departures increased to 40 travelers (16 patients and 24 companions). The same day saw 26 travelers barred from traveling and returned, while 26 individuals arrived in the Strip.
• Wednesday: The highest number of departures was recorded, with 47 travelers leaving (16 patients and 31 companions). Arrivals that day totaled 25 individuals.
• Thursday: A total of 28 travelers departed (seven patients and 21 companions), while 25 people returned to Gaza.
  Weekend Closure

The report noted that the Rafah crossing was closed to passenger movement on Friday and Saturday, February 6 and 7, in line with the regular weekly closure schedule.