Jerusalem, Jan 31: Israel has announced that it will reopen the Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt on Sunday, allowing limited movement of people in both directions after nearly two years of closure.The crossing — the only direct link between Gaza and the outside world not controlled by Israel and Egypt — has been largely shut since May 2024 amid conflict and security concerns.
In a statement, the Israeli military body responsible for coordinating civilian matters in Gaza (COGAT) said the reopening would permit a “limited movement of people only”. Travel through Rafah will be coordinated with Egypt and subject to Israeli security clearance, with supervision by European Union border patrol agents.
Under the plan, Palestinians who left Gaza during the conflict may be allowed to return to the territory, while others will be carefully vetted before being permitted to cross. Initial movement is expected to be restricted as authorities work out operational procedures.
The reopening forms part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement aimed at stabilising the region and easing humanitarian pressures on the war-torn enclave. Analysts say the move could provide relief to families separated by the conflict and offer a lifeline for those in urgent need of travel for medical or other essential reasons.
However, the crossing’s limited scope and ongoing security measures mean that full commercial transit and large-scale movement of goods are not yet expected, keeping broader humanitarian and economic flows constrained for now.