Gaza's Rafah Crossing Reopens Amid Ceasefire, Tensions Remain High
The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt reopened on February 2, 2026, after being sealed for nearly two years, marking a key step in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement. The reopening allows for limited humanitarian aid and the return of Palestinians, according to officials from Egypt and Israel.
State television showed ambulances and microbuses advancing from the Egyptian side as the gates swung open. Approximately 50 people are expected to cross in each direction during the initial days of the reopening, according to Euronews. NPR reported that the border had been sealed for nearly a year.
The reopening comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with the U.S. continuing its military buildup in the region and President Trump hinting at a possible attack on Iran. Iran's supreme leader warned that any attack would spark a "regional war," according to NPR.
Meanwhile, Jared Kushner's "New Gaza" plan has been unveiled, envisioning loft-style apartments, an off-shore oil and gas rig, advanced industrial zones, and park-lined neighborhoods. However, Palestinians say the plan erases what's left of their homes, according to NPR.
In other news, a court order has mandated the restart of all U.S. offshore wind construction. The Trump administration had previously blocked permitting for offshore wind projects, but the court ruled the action was arbitrary and capricious, according to Hacker News. The administration had also targeted five offshore wind projects currently under construction.
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