Israel has announced plans to reopen the Rafah border crossing on Sunday, facilitating travel between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. This marks the first opening of what is effectively the only exit for the densely populated Palestinian territory since its closure in May 2024.
The Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the Israeli body responsible for civilian oversight in the Gaza Strip, has not specified the daily number of people allowed to transit through the border. The enclave is home to over two million residents, many of whom are eager for the chance to cross the border.
COGAT clarified that the reopening will primarily enable the return of individuals who left Gaza during the war. Only those with prior security clearance from Israel, coordinated with Egyptian authorities, will be permitted re-entry. This underscores the tight security measures governing the crossing.
The border will be closely monitored, with both Israeli and Egyptian authorities conducting thorough vetting of travelers. In addition, European Union border patrol agents will be present to supervise the crossing process.
Travelers will undergo comprehensive security screenings at the crossing and along the adjacent corridor, which remains under Israeli military control. This layered security approach reflects the complex geopolitical considerations involved in managing the border.
The Rafah crossing has been a focal point since Israel took control in May 2024, amidst ongoing conflict in the region. Its reopening represents a significant development in the ongoing efforts to manage and potentially alleviate some of the movement restrictions affecting Gaza’s residents.
Reopening it was an important requirement under the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s plan to stop fighting between Israel and Hamas militants, which followed a ceasefire agreed in October.
Israel had said it would reopen it only after recovering the body of the last Israeli hostage in the Gaza Strip, which took place this week.
Reuters previously reported that Israel wants to restrict the number of Palestinians entering the strip through the border crossing with Egypt to ensure that more are allowed out than in.
Egypt has not agreed to that.
A source familiar with the matter said the crossing would open despite ongoing discussions between Egypt and Israel over the issue, saying that Israel wants to allow about 150 people to come back per day.
The opening will solely allow the passage of people, even though the Gaza Strip remains in need of vital aid that humanitarian organisations say has been stymied by Israeli restrictions.
“Many people in Gaza are still living in the rubble without basic services, struggling to stay warm amid harsh winter conditions,” International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) president Mirjana Spoljaric said in a statement on Friday.
She called for an easing of restrictions on “dual use” items like water pipes and generators, “which are essential for restoring the essential infrastructure people rely on”.
Under a policy that long pre-dates the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and ensuing war, Israel inspects trucks bound for the Gaza Strip to stop any items it considers to have potential “dual use” — civilian or military.
The enclave has been devastated by Israel’s two-year offensive, which has left most of the strip in ruins and displaced virtually the entire population.
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