The Rafah crossing is Gaza's lifeline to the world and could open soonCAIRO (AP) — Palestinians are eagerly awaiting the reopening of the Rafah border crossing, which is Gaza’s lifeline and only gateway to the outside world that wasn’t controlled by Israel before the war. Hours earlier, Israel had said it would open the Rafah crossing with limitations once the search operation for Gvili was complete. A reopened Rafah crossing would make it easier for Gazans to seek medical treatment, travel internationally or visit family in Egypt, which is home to tens of thousands of Palestinians. After Hamas-led militants sparked the war by attacking southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, Egypt tightened its restrictions on traffic through the Rafah crossing. Questions about the futureThe Gaza side of the Rafah crossing was heavily damaged during the war.