Rafah shutdown raises fresh concerns over aid and medical evacuations
Key border crossings into the Gaza Strip were closed on Feb 28 as Israeli and US forces launched attacks on Iran, disrupting humanitarian access to the enclave.
Crossings Shut Amid Regional Escalation
Israel’s government agency COGAT confirmed that crossings into Gaza were closed on Feb 28 following military strikes on Iran. The shutdown affects the delivery of humanitarian aid and the evacuation of patients requiring urgent medical treatment.
The move comes as tensions escalate across the region, raising fears of broader instability that could further complicate aid operations.
Rafah Crossing Impact
The Rafah crossing, located at Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, was among those closed. It had only reopened at the start of February, allowing limited crossings for the first time in months.
Patients in need of urgent medical care were among those permitted to pass through Rafah after prolonged restrictions.
Aid Dependency in Gaza
Gaza’s population of more than two million remains heavily reliant on humanitarian assistance following Israel’s offensive in the enclave. The conflict displaced the vast majority of residents and severely damaged infrastructure.
In mid-February, the United Nations reported ongoing impediments to delivering lifesaving aid into the territory.
Shortages and Restrictions
Human Rights Watch said in a February report that Israeli restrictions had continued to cause shortages of medicines, food, reconstruction materials and water in Gaza.
Aid agencies have repeatedly warned that disruptions at border crossings can quickly worsen humanitarian conditions in the densely populated strip.
Dispute Over Aid Supplies
COGAT stated that sufficient food had been delivered to Gaza since the ceasefire began, claiming it amounted to four times the population’s needs. The agency did not provide supporting evidence for the figure.
It added that existing stockpiles were expected to last for an extended period, though humanitarian groups continue to raise concerns over access and distribution challenges.
The closure of Gaza’s crossings underscores how regional military escalation can have immediate humanitarian consequences. With aid access once again restricted, international agencies are likely to intensify calls for sustained and unhindered relief corridors.
Sources: Reuters (2026) , Asia One (2026)
Keywords: Gaza Aid Disruption, Rafah Border Closure, COGAT Statement, UN Gaza Access, Human Rights Watch Report
