Story: Gaza residents anxious as Rafah crossing reopens Taken: January 29, 2026 Date: January 30, 2026 Length: 00:02:26 Location: Gaza, Palestine Category: Society Photographers: 1. Various situations in Gaza 2. SOUND CLIP 1 (Arabic): REZIQ SHOMAR, GAZA RESIDENT 3. SOUND CLIP 2 (Arabic): OM IBRAHIM, GAZA RESIDENT 4. Sound clip 3 (Arabic): Mohammad Qadi, Gaza resident Storyline: Anxiety grips the Gaza Strip as talk grows of the possible reopening of the Rafah crossing with Egypt. More than two years into a devastating war, uncertainty remains over the scope of operations and potential restrictions on travelers. Israel halted travel after taking control of the crossing in May 2024, thereby isolating Gaza and deepening the humanitarian crisis in the coastal enclave. The Rafah crossing is a key entry and exit point for Gazans, especially patients. Sound clip 1 (Arabic): REZIQ SHOMAR, resident of Gaza “This is all just talk. We want to see something real on the ground, something tangible. Since there are many false promises, we no longer believe in any false statements. We need actions, not words, because from the beginning, the crossing has always been Gaza The backbone of the people, especially for the injured and sick. I am one of the injured and I hope that its doors can be opened so that I can receive treatment. We hope that the medical equipment can come in and we hope that the crossing is our lifeline. But unfortunately, as the days go by, I Their hopes have become very remote. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced on Sunday that Israel has agreed to a limited, pedestrian-only reopening subject to comprehensive inspection procedures. A source close to the National Governing Council of Gaza (NCAG) in Ramallah told Xinhua that preparations were being made. and a list of returnees. Discussions are underway to finalize the technical arrangements for the crossing, the source added, adding that priority will be given in the first weeks to the sick and wounded, students, people with foreign passports and Gaza residents returning from treatment abroad. Sound clip 2 (Arabic): OM IBRAHIM, GAZA RESIDENT “I hope the crossings will be open. We had hoped and still hope that it would be open. My husband is abroad and my children are abroad. I am anxiously waiting for the border crossing to open. “Health authorities say that approximately 20,000 patients have completed medical referrals and are waiting for travel permission, citing shortages of medicines and medical equipment, suspension of professional services and severe damage to hospital infrastructure. According to health authorities, 1,268 patients have died while waiting for travel permission. Only 3,100 patients have been able to leave Gaza since the crossing was closed on May 7, 2024. Sound clip 3 (Arabic): MOHAMMED AL-QADI, resident of Gaza “I see some positives this time because we saw online that the opening of the Rafah crossing might bring convenience. Of course, if crossings are open, it will be easier for the sick and wounded to leave for treatment. I hope this works in our favor and in our favor. “Xinhua News Agency reporter reported from Gaza, Palestine. (XHTV)
Anxiety grips Gaza residents as Rafah crossing reopening looms
