
The Briefing Rafah border crossing opens, Berlin grinds to a halt and ‘Melania’ bores
Feb 2, 2026
Julie Norman, UCL politics scholar on Gaza and the Rafah crossing. Karsten Brzezki, ING macro chief on Germany’s transport strike and economic strain. Ewan Potts, Bloomberg markets reporter on the metals sell-off and Fed implications. Fernando Augusto Pacheco, Monocle culture correspondent on the Grammys and a lackluster Melania documentary. They discuss Rafah’s tight reopening, strike disruption, market reactions to Fed moves, and cultural headlines.
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Episode notes
Rafah Reopening Is Symbolic, Not Substantive
- The reopening of Rafah is symbolically vital but functionally limited with pedestrian-only access and strict Israeli approvals.
- Julie Norman warns the crossing will mainly allow exits and only a few dozen daily crossings, not a full resumption of aid and trade.
Exits Favoured Over Returns
- Israeli officials have signalled they will prioritise exits from Gaza over entries, raising fears of population transfer dynamics.
- Norman notes roughly only a couple dozen people per day may cross, highlighting a major imbalance.
Ceasefire Is Fragile And Ongoing Violence Persists
- Attacks continued after the ceasefire, with one strike killing about 30 and over 450 killed since the ceasefire began.
- Norman stresses the conflict remains volatile and Gaza's plight must stay on the world's agenda.




