Gaza's Lifeline: Rafah Crossing to Open, Easing Aid and Refugee Crisis

The Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, once seen as a beacon of hope for Palestinians, has become a symbol of disappointment and struggle. While it remains closed, it has the potential to serve as a lifeline for foreign passport holders to leave Gaza and for humanitarian supplies to enter. However, Egypt has often made it difficult for Gazans to pass through, and Israel has dismissed reports of allowing aid to come in from Egypt, citing concerns that it would be used by Hamas. With the Mideast crisis worsening, the possibility of large numbers of Palestinians wanting to exit Gaza raises concerns about their ability to return and Egypt's reluctance to accept a flood of refugees.