Limited Relief as Rafah Crossing Reopens; Kidnapped Nigerians Return Home
Gaza's Rafah border crossing with Egypt partially reopened on Monday, February 2, 2026, after being closed by Israel for nearly two years, but only a handful of sick and wounded Palestinians were permitted to leave for medical treatment, according to Al Jazeera. Simultaneously, in Nigeria, eighty kidnapped individuals returned home after escaping captivity in Kaduna state, BBC World reported.
The reopening of the Rafah crossing offered a glimmer of hope to thousands of Palestinians in Gaza in desperate need of medical assistance. However, the initial reality fell far short of expectations. "On the first day of the opening, on Monday, Israel only allowed five patients to exit Gaza via the crossing, forcing hundreds, if not thousands, of others to wait," Al Jazeera stated. The United Nations welcomed the reopening, with spokesperson Stephane Dujarric noting that only five patients had been able to leave so far. The Guardian reported that the total number of people entering and leaving Gaza on the first day was just 27.
Meanwhile, in Nigeria, eighty of the 177 people kidnapped last month from three churches in Kurmin Wali, Kaduna state, made their way back home, BBC World reported. The individuals escaped on the day of their abduction but remained in hiding in neighboring villages for two weeks, fearing recapture. "due to fear of being captured again," state police spokesman Mansur Hassan told the BBC. Authorities are continuing efforts to secure the release of the remaining 86 people still being held. The attack was part of a wave of kidnappings in the region.
In other news, France adopted its 2026 budget after surviving two no-confidence votes, Al Jazeera reported. The budget, which includes measures to reduce the deficit and increase military spending, was passed after four months of political deadlock, potentially bringing a period of stability for Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu's minority government.
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