The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt has partially reopened, allowing limited pedestrian crossings after months of closure, offering a rare lifeline for Palestinians. Thousands of patients, students, and displaced families hope to cross for medical treatment, education, and aid, with Gaza’s health ministry saying 20,000 people are waiting to leave for care. However, Israel still controls the Palestinian side of the crossing, and humanitarian aid flows remain extremely restricted.

After months of isolation, residents of Gaza are cautiously optimistic about the reopening of the Rafah crossing with Egypt.

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…