Qatar has said it is actively working with international mediators to reopen the Rafah crossing into Gaza, stressing that humanitarian aid must not be used as leverage in political negotiations.
Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said discussions are ongoing to move forward with the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire and to ensure aid reaches civilians without obstruction. He underlined that humanitarian access should remain separate from political pressure tactics.
The reopening of the Rafah crossing, Gaza&rsquo;s main gateway to the outside world via Egypt, was a key condition of the first phase of the ceasefire that began on October 10. Despite this, the crossing has remained shut. Aid organisations say restrictions imposed by Israel continue to severely limit the delivery of food, medicine, and relief supplies, undermining the ceasefire commitments.
Rafah had long been Gaza&rsquo;s only link beyond Israeli-controlled borders until Israeli forces took control of the Palestinian side of the crossing in May 2024. Since then, its closure has deepened Gaza&rsquo;s humanitarian crisis, leaving millions dependent on limited and irregular aid flows.
Speculation about a possible reopening resurfaced earlier this month following reports that Israeli authorities were considering opening the crossing in both directions. Such a move would mark a shift from Israel&rsquo;s earlier position, which allowed only outbound movement from Gaza into Egypt. That policy had drawn strong criticism from regional countries, including Qatar and Egypt, who warned it could lead to the forced displacement of Palestinians.
Among Palestinians in Gaza, news of a potential reopening has been met with a mix of hope and anxiety. Many see Rafah as a lifeline for medical treatment, education, and family reunification. Students have spoken of dreams to continue their studies abroad, while injured residents say access to treatment outside Gaza is urgently needed.
At the same time, fears persist that the crossing could be used to permanently push Palestinians out of Gaza under the cover of humanitarian arrangements. Years of repeated announcements followed by sudden closures have left residents wary of trusting official statements.
Meanwhile, violence has continued despite the ceasefire. Israeli air strikes have reportedly killed civilians sheltering in temporary camps, adding to a growing death toll since the truce came into effect. Gaza health authorities say hundreds of Palestinians have been killed in this period alone.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the fate of the Rafah crossing remains a critical test of whether the ceasefire can translate into real relief for Gaza&rsquo;s civilian population.

Qatar pushes to reopen Rafah crossing into Gaza

Doha works with mediators as aid delays, ceasefire violations fuel Gaza crisis

Qatar pushes to reopen Rafah crossing into Gaza

Doha works with mediators as aid delays, ceasefire violations fuel Gaza crisis

January 6, 2026 | 22:44 IST