Gaza's main border crossing at Rafah will reopen for Palestinian residents on Monday, Israel has announced, ending a closure of nearly two years. The crossing, which has been largely shut since May 2024, will operate for foot traffic only, with coordination between Israel, Egypt, and the European Union.
The Israeli agency Cogat said a pilot test was conducted on Sunday to assess the crossing's operation, with movement expected to begin in both directions on Monday. Stringent security checks will be applied, and only Palestinians wishing to leave Gaza or return after fleeing during the early months of the war will be permitted.
Many of those expected to cross are sick and wounded individuals seeking medical care abroad, with the Palestinian health ministry estimating around 20,000 patients awaiting departure. An Israeli defence official stated that the crossing could process 150 to 200 people per day in total, with more leaving than returning due to patients travelling with escorts. Lists of approved travellers have been submitted by Egypt and cleared by Israel.
Reopening the crossing was a key requirement of the first phase of the US president Donald Trump’s plan to end the conflict. However, the ceasefire that began in October after two years of fighting has been repeatedly undermined by violence. Since the truce took effect, Israeli attacks have killed over 500 Palestinians, and Palestinian militants have killed four Israeli soldiers, according to respective authorities.
On Saturday, Israel launched some of its most intense airstrikes since the ceasefire, killing at least 30 people, in response to what it said was a Hamas violation of the truce when militants emerged from a tunnel in Rafah. The next phases of Trump's plan call for governance to be handed to Palestinian technocrats, Hamas disarmament, Israeli withdrawal, and an international peacekeeping force for reconstruction.
