Anxiety grips Gaza residents as Rafah crossing reopening looms

STORY: Anxiety grips Gaza residents as Rafah crossing reopening loomsSHOOTING TIME: Jan. 29, 2026DATELINE: Jan. 30, 2026LENGTH: 00:02:26LOCATION: GAZA, PalestineCATEGORY: SOCIETYSHOTLIST:1. various of Gaza2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): REZIQ SHOMAR, Gaza resident3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): OM IBRAHIM, Gaza resident4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Arabic): MOHAMMED AL-QADI, Gaza residentSTORYLINE:Anxiety is gripping the Gaza Strip amid growing talk of a potential reopening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.More than two years after a devastating war, uncertainty persists about 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 coastal enclave's humanitarian crisis.The Rafah crossing is a key entry and exit point for the Gazans, particularly patients.SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): REZIQ SHOMAR, Gaza resident"It's all just talk. We want something real on the ground, something tangible.Because of the many false promises, we no longer believe any statements that are issued.We want actions, not words, because everything that is happening is nothing but empty maneuvering. From the beginning, the crossing has been the backbone of Gaza's people, especially for the wounded and the sick.I am one of the injured, and I hope its gates will open so I can receive treatment.We want medical equipment to enter, and we want people to be able to travel for treatment.The crossing is our lifeline, but unfortunately, with each passing day, the dates move further away, and our hope has become very weak."Israel has agreed to a limited, pedestrian-only reopening subject to full inspection procedures, Israel's Prime Minister's Office announced on Sunday. A Ramallah-based source close to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) told Xinhua that preparations are underway to compile lists of travelers and returnees. The source, who asked not to be named, added that discussions are ongoing to finalize technical arrangements at the crossing.Priority would be given in initial weeks to medical patients and the wounded, students, holders of foreign passports, and Gaza residents returning from treatment abroad, according to the source.SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): OM IBRAHIM, Gaza resident"I hope the crossing will open. We hoped for it before, and I still hope it will open. My husband is outside the country, and my children are abroad. I am waiting on burning coals for the crossing to open."The health authorities said about 20,000 patients have completed medical referrals and are awaiting permission to travel, citing shortages of medicines and medical equipment, the suspension of specialized services, and extensive damage to hospital infrastructure. According to the health authorities, 1,268 patients have died while awaiting permission to travel. Only 3,100 patients have been able to leave Gaza since the crossing was closed on May 7, 2024. SOUNDBITE 3 (Arabic): MOHAMMED AL-QADI, Gaza resident"I see some positivity this time, because we are seeing online that there may be facilitations regarding the opening of the Rafah Crossing. Of course, if the crossing opens, it will make it easier for the wounded and the sick to leave for treatment. I hope it will be something good for us and in our favor."Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Gaza, Palestine.(XHTV)

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