Gazans Fear Rafah Crossing Under Israeli Control

The administrative committee was established, but despite the crossing's opening, it has not yet begun to carry out the next day's phases of ending the war on the Gaza Strip. These phases included removing the weapons, opening the Rafah crossing as soon as the last Israeli body inside the Gaza Strip was turned over, and then beginning the reconstruction process—though these two conditions are not simultaneous—to shape the new features of Gaza. But Netanyahu's administration purposefully tightens the noose around Gaza's Palestinian population. because it linked the requirement of "disarmament" to rebuilding, and since Netanyahu's administration affirmed at the end of 2026 that it would not permit the Gaza Strip to be rebuilt until "disarmament" and the removal of the groups' military capabilities from the area had taken place. This need is seen as a security guarantee to stop future military threats.

Unresolved Inquiries and Ceasefire Terms

There remain plenty of unresolved inquiries in spite of all the Israeli conjectures and the international consensus to enter the ceasefire's terms the next day. On the first day of the Rafah gate's reopening, discussions among Gazanscenter on who will be permitted to depart, who will be permitted to return, and who will really oversee traffic across the crossing. The crossing is reopening amid complicated and unclear circumstances following months of closure and siege.

Anxiety and Fear at the Crossing

The moment of reopening the crossing develops into a misery that only Gazans understand, which makes it opening an event full of caution and tension, as well as the expectancy of people stranded on both sides of the border. Since the crossing is under strict Israeli security control and the presence of European forces is merely formal and non-operational, the trial's reopening on the first day, along with additional precautions, caused anxiety among those who wanted to leave or return. They feared being arrested by the Israeli side. Many people are concerned about the new operating procedures, particularly patients and injured people who require care outside the industry.

Humanitarian Needs and Restrictions

Thousands of students and some 22,000 wounded and injured people urgently need to leave the Gaza Strip in order to finish their education or obtain medical care. He clarified that the occupation aims to maintain the blockade and prevent the Rafah crossing from being fully opened by erecting several barriers that prevent the citizens from leaving. Despite the fact that thousands of cancer and renal patients' lives are still in danger due to their inability to travel, 80,000 Palestinian families are hoping for a smooth journey for those who desire to return to Gaza or travel to Egypt. For its part, the Ministry of Health in Gaza confirmed that the Israeli side allowed only 5 patients and their companions to travel, despite the agreement stipulating the travel of 50 patients with their companions. Although though the daily traveler number was set at about 150, if the pace stays the same with so few patients traveling, it could take almost five months to complete the journey of all these patients.

Difficulties Faced by Returnees

Returnees to the Gaza Strip encountered serious issues that compromised their privacy when they returned home. Rather than assistance, they faced significant challenges and humiliation. The number of travelers returning to the Gaza Strip was around 12, most of whom were women and children. The bus arrived at Nassar Medical Hospital after more than 16 hours of waiting with Red Crescent vehicles. However, after contacting the returnees to the Gaza Strip, their psychological state was extremely difficult due to the thorough inspection and humiliating interrogation.

Humiliation and Control at Checkpoints

As if the occupation blamed their wish to return to their homes, one of the investigators even asked them why they wanted to return, even if Gaza was nothing more than a pile of collapse. Even more bizarre is the fact that the returnees are led by Abu Al-Shabab militias to the Israeli checkpoint that "Regavim" claims to be as soon as they enter the Gaza Strip from the Egyptian side gate. As soon as they arrived, they were dehumanized by all of these conflicts and difficulties, as though Gaza were a prison for both death and questioning. Anyone considering returning to Gaza is now hesitant and afraid due to this policy, expecting to be searched or arrested. Additionally, the occupation controls what the returnees can and cannot carry, seizes their goods, and confiscates them. Those who consider going back are subject to severe limitations. Nobody who is leaving is thrilled about leaving, and nobody who is returning is glad about coming back. The occupation only causes the Palestinians to be irritated and angered. The issue is not just in Gaza; it is also in the second region of the country In addition to the agony at the King Abdullah Bridge to enter Jordan, there are other cruel and deadly checkpoints every half kilometer or so where anyone could be arrested or killed on suspicion of having a white weapon. Palestinians live like this as a result of Israeli occupation.

National Committee’s Role in Crossing Operations

In keeping with the National Committee's duties to oversee and coordinate crossing operations, Ali Shaat, the committee's head, declared that the Rafah crossing would open in both directions. This move is regarded as a significant turning point in the effort to control traffic and lessen the humanitarian burden on the Gaza Strip's residents This action followed the completion of all operational and organizational preparations, the assurance of a safe and orderly journey, and the assurance of the protection and dignity of individuals coming and going. Only patients and injured people receiving treatment overseas, students, family reunification, and other groups with humanitarian needs will be eligible for the current period.

International Collaboration and Future Prospects

Although Shaath affirms that the committee is not merely an administrative process but rather the start of a lengthy journey, reestablishing what was broken and providing a window of hope and a genuine glimmer for the Gazan people, he says that the crossing's operation is a cooperative accomplishment with the involvement of those dedicated to facilitating the movement across the crossing, viewing it as a key component of U.S. President Donald Trump's 20-point plan. He went on to say that the committee is actively collaborating with the Peace Council, which is chaired by US President Donald Trump, In order to make this step a starting point for greater stability, the restoration of essential services, and the construction of the groundwork for the relief, recovery, and reconstruction process, he continued, the committee is making every effort in collaboration with the mediators, the Palestinian National Authority, and the Peace Council, which is chaired by US President Donald Trump. He affirmed that travel dates will be through authorized official channels and that travel will fall within the registration process and priority criteria. 
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