rear hatch ceased

I was hoping that someone could help me. My rear hatch door will not open anymore. The key will not fit in the lock anymore because I have always used the remote to unlock the door. and even if I unlock the van from the inside and then try to open it up from the rear It will not open. when I pull the handle to open the door it does not work either. does anyone have any good Ideas on how to get it open? Does anyone know how to get the door panel off from the inside without having to open the door? any suggestions you may offer that would be great.
Regards, Jonathan

YOu have to open the door from the inside. And before shutting make sure you pull the underpart of the handle all the way out. Than shut the door. Make sure that everytime you use the back door you don't shut it with the handle complettly down