Palestinians Returning to Gaza Amidst Limited Rafah Crossing Reopening

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, returns of Palestinians who were stranded outside of Gaza have brought about scenes of tears and smiles at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Fidaa Omran, after a period of treatment abroad, found solace in her family’s embrace, stating that nothing compares to returning home.

The Rafah crossing was partially reopened with severe restrictions starting February 2, 2024. The crossing had been closed since May 2024 following military operations by the Israeli army in Rafah. Although traffic has resumed, it remains subject to extensive limitations.

Approximately 80,000 Palestinians have registered to return to Gaza, while Zionist officials have spoken of population evacuation plans. Observers believe the Palestinians’ insistence on returning challenges these plans.

Tahani Omran, another returning citizen, described her time away from Gaza as a constant torment and felt a sense of peace despite the hardships of crossing and lengthy interrogations. Hussam Al-Mansi also described his return to Gaza, where he feels he belongs, as indescribable joy.

Ayad Al-Qara, a Palestinian political analyst, viewed the return of every Palestinian as a defeat for the forced displacement project, interpreting the action as an expression of collective awareness of the consequences of forced displacement and a commitment to the land.

Official sources in Gaza have accused the occupying regime of failing to adhere to the set quotas for passenger crossings. From February 2 to February 15, only 811 out of approximately 2,800 registered travelers successfully crossed, representing 29 percent of the agreed-upon capacity.

Palestinian estimates indicate that over 22,000 patients and injured individuals require evacuation from Gaza for treatment, as the region’s health system faces widespread collapse. The recent conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, has resulted in the deaths of over 72,000 Palestinians and the injury of more than 171,000, devastating a large portion of Gaza’s infrastructure. Nevertheless, for many Palestinians, returning home, even amidst the ruins, is less costly than living in exile, and remaining on their land remains their primary choice.