Rafah: Israel is expected to partially reopen the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt on Sunday after months of pressure from humanitarian groups, though the reopening will be restricted to the movement of people.
The decision comes as violence continues in Gaza, with the territory’s civil defence agency reporting dozens of deaths from Israeli strikes on Saturday, while Israel’s military said it was responding to breaches of the ceasefire.
Rafah is considered a critical entry and exit point for civilians and humanitarian assistance, but it has largely remained closed since Israeli forces took control of the crossing in May 2024 during the war with Hamas, except for a brief and limited reopening earlier this year, AFP reported.
Israeli authorities had previously stated that the crossing would not reopen until the remains of Ran Gvili, the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza, were returned. His remains were recovered earlier this week and he was buried in Israel on Wednesday.
COGAT, the Israeli defence ministry body responsible for civil affairs in the occupied Palestinian territories, said on Friday that the Rafah crossing would reopen on Sunday for limited two-way movement of people only. It said entry and exit would take place in coordination with Egypt, subject to prior Israeli security screening, and under the supervision of the European Union mission.
However, several aspects of the reopening remain uncertain, including how many people will be permitted to cross and whether Palestinians seeking to return to Gaza will be allowed entry. A source at the crossing said that Sunday would mainly be used for preparations and logistical arrangements.
Sources at the border said the initial reopening would be carried out on a trial basis to allow wounded individuals to pass through, ahead of a more regular reopening planned for Monday. They added that no agreement had yet been reached on the number of Palestinians allowed to enter or leave Gaza, while Egypt was preparing to admit all Palestinians whom Israel authorises to exit the territory.