Gazans face impossible wait at Rafah crossing to Egypt
France 24
by The FRANCE 24 ObserversFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The partial reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt has brought hope for some but left many Gazans stranded in an endless wait. Since the crossing was reopened on February 2, only a few dozen people have been allowed through each day, creating a bottleneck that has left thousands stuck without a clear timeline or guarantee of when they will be able to cross. While some videos and photos show celebrations as small groups return home, the reality for most remains uncertain and frustrating.
The crossing is critical for both returning residents and those seeking medical treatment abroad. Although the partial reopening has enabled some Gazans to leave for urgent medical care, the numbers are far too low to meet the demand. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 20,000 Gazans are waiting to receive medical care outside the territory, with only two family members allowed to accompany each patient. At the current rate of 80-100 crossings per day, it would take more than a year to process all those in need.
The situation is further complicated by ongoing tensions between Hamas and Israel, who both accuse each other of ceasefire violations. The peace plan signed on October 9 includes provisions for an international force to replace the Israeli military presence in Gaza, but progress has been slow. Meanwhile, Rafah remains under partial control by Egyptian authorities, with foreign media restricted from accessing the Palestinian side of the border.
The daily trickle of crossings has left families like Ibrahim’s in limbo, wondering when they will get their turn. For those needing urgent medical care, the delays are not just an inconvenience—they can be life-threatening. The situation highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the challenges of balancing political agreements with the immediate needs of civilians.
This story matters to readers interested in global affairs as it underscores the fragile state of peace efforts in the region and the human cost of prolonged conflict. The Rafah crossing serves as a microcosm of the broader struggles faced by Gazans, who continue to navigate a complex and often uncertain reality.
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/23/2026