DaysofPal – The Government Media Office in Gaza reported that only 397 travelers passed through the Rafah land crossing out of 1,600 who were scheduled to travel in both directions between Monday, February 2, 2026, and Monday, February 9, 2026. This represents a compliance rate of no more than 25 percent, reflecting the ongoing restrictions imposed on travel to and from the Gaza Strip.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the office said that 225 travelers were allowed to leave Gaza through the crossing, while 172 people were registered as arrivals. The statement also documented the return of 26 travelers who were prevented from completing their journeys.
Five patients and fifteen companions were among the 20 travelers who left on Monday, February 2, according to the daily breakdown given. On the same day, 12 people arrived in Gaza, among them nine women and three children. On Tuesday, February 3, 40 travelers departed, consisting of 16 patients and 24 companions. That day also recorded the forced return of 26 travelers who were denied passage, along with the arrival of 26 returning residents.
On Wednesday, February 4, a total of 47 travelers crossed out of Gaza, including 16 patients and 31 companions, while 25 people arrived. The following day saw 28 departures, seven of them patients, alongside the arrival of another 25 returnees.
The statement noted that the Rafah crossing was fully closed on Friday and Saturday, February 6 and 7, with no recorded travel or arrivals during those two days. Travel resumed on Sunday, February 8, when 50 travelers departed, including 19 patients and 31 companions, and 44 people arrived back in Gaza.
On Monday, February 9, another 40 travelers crossed out, evenly divided between patients and companions, while 40 returnees entered the Strip.
Testimonies from Palestinians returning to Gaza through Rafah described a grim reality marked by prolonged delays, humiliation, intensive interrogation, physical abuse, and the confiscation of personal belongings.
These practices were reported to take place under strict Israeli supervision and control over inspection and security procedures.
Under Israeli directives, Palestinians from Gaza are permitted to return to the Strip only if they left after the outbreak of the war, during which Israel took control of the Palestinian side of the crossing in May 2024.
Palestinian resistance factions have previously condemned these practices, describing the treatment of travelers and returnees at Rafah as systematic abuse and deliberate humiliation. They called on mediators and guarantors of the ceasefire agreement to take urgent action to compel Israel to halt its daily violations and to open the crossings immediately and without conditions.
Rafah remains the sole gateway for more than two million Palestinians in Gaza to the outside world. It serves students, patients, traders, and humanitarian cases and functions as the primary entry point for medical aid, food supplies, and fuel. The crossing also carries deep symbolic importance as Gaza’s link to its Arab surroundings.
Since early 2024, the crossing has been under full Israeli control, while its facilities have sustained extensive damage during military attacks. The reopening of Rafah was scheduled to take place during the first phase of the ceasefire agreement that entered into force on October 10, 2025, yet Israel has failed to uphold this commitment.
Shortlink for this post: https://daysofpalestine.ps/?p=72089
