What went right this week: the good news that matters

Gaza’s lifeline Rafah border crossing with Egypt finally reopened this week, bringing hope – and some trepidation – to the thousands of Palestinians waiting for medical treatment. 

A reported 20,000 sick and wounded Palestinians require urgent care in Egypt and have been waiting to cross the border.

Although Israeli authorities opened passage to civilians on Monday, the concession comes with several limitations. Only 50 patients a day – on foot and with just one or two relatives – will be allowed to make the crossing. Just a handful made it through on the first day.

For the time being, passage of goods is banned and returning Palestinians are subject to strict security checks. Oxfam welcomed the reopening but said constraints should be urgently scrapped. 

“People, goods and humanitarian assistance must be able to move safely, unhindered and in line with international law,” said the charity’s policy lead, Bushra Khalidi. “Rafah needs to operate consistently, predictably, and at a scale that reflects the catastrophic needs in Gaza – starting with, but not limited to, medical evacuations.”

Image: Levi Meir Clancy