Rafah Border Crossing Between Gaza, Egypt Reopens After Two Years
“The Rafah crossing has opened in a pilot operation,” one report said.
“According to estimates, the movement of people will actually begin tomorrow (Monday) in both directions, with about 150 people expected to leave the Gaza Strip daily, compared to about 50 who will return to it,” it added.
According to the same reports, Palestinians who departed Gaza during Israel’s war will only be permitted to reenter the territory through the Rafah terminal.
It was also reported that “Israel would monitor the work at the terminal remotely using surveillance equipment, not directly by Israeli soldiers.”
Under the reported arrangement, Egypt is expected to provide Israel each day with a list of individuals scheduled to cross the border in either direction within the following 24 hours.
Israel “will allow a small number of wounded (Palestinian) gunmen to leave through the crossing if they wish, and in principle, all those who leave will be allowed to return,” the report added.
No immediate official confirmation or denial was issued by Israeli, Egyptian, or Palestinian authorities regarding the reopening.
Rafah is considered a critical entry point for humanitarian assistance. Israeli forces took control of the crossing in May 2024, roughly nine months after the start of Israel’s war on Gaza, which has left more than 71,000 people dead and over 171,000 injured since October 2023, according to reports.
The crossing had been expected to resume operations in October as part of the initial phase of a ceasefire agreement. However, Israel reportedly declined to reopen it until the release of its remaining captive in Gaza, a development that occurred earlier this week.
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