Palestinians Suffer Long Waits at Rafah Crossing

Since the partial reopening of the Rafah border crossing connecting the Gaza Strip to Egypt, images of Palestinian exiles’ joy have spread. However, many face long and exhausting waits, as only dozens of people are allowed to pass through the crossing daily.

Palestinians’ Suffering at Rafah Crossing

Continuous Waiting Since Early Morning

Many Palestinians arrive at the crossing as early as 7 AM, beginning their long waiting journey. These people spend hours standing under the scorching sun, as hope of crossing gradually fades with the passage of time.

Repeated Stories of Suffering

One traveler recounts his story: “I brought my luggage and arrived at the crossing at 7 AM, spending long hours waiting, but I couldn’t cross.” These stories repeat daily with hundreds of Palestinians dreaming of leaving the besieged territory.

Limited Numbers and Narrow Capacity

Only Dozens of People Daily

The crossing allows only dozens of people to pass daily, making the wait long and exhausting for those wishing to travel. These limited numbers increase the suffering of Palestinians who wait for long hours in vain.

Humanitarian and Health Challenges

Those waiting at the crossing face major humanitarian and health challenges, especially under harsh weather conditions and lack of sanitary facilities. Many suffer from fatigue, thirst, and hunger during the long waiting hours.

Slim Hope Amid Difficult Conditions

Impact of Repeated Closures

The repeated closures of the crossing affect the movement of travelers, increasing their suffering. Hope remains slim for many to get a chance to cross, especially with the continued complex political and security situations in the region.

Ongoing Suffering Without Solutions

Palestinians’ suffering at Rafah Crossing continues without any fundamental solutions. These people live in a state of constant uncertainty and anxiety, waiting for an opportunity that may never come.