A. Rahman
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel has revealed plans to resume operations at the Rafah border crossing linking Gaza with Egypt starting Sunday, enabling restricted travel for individuals in both directions after an extended shutdown. This move comes shortly after the retrieval of the final hostage’s body from Gaza earlier this week, signaling a potential step forward in regional stability efforts.
The announcement, made by Israeli authorities on Friday, marks a significant development in the ongoing implementation of a U.S.-mediated truce deal from the previous year. That agreement outlines phases for neutralizing militant threats in Gaza, transitioning away from Hamas governance, and initiating reconstruction projects in the area devastated by conflict. Israeli forces took control of the crossing in May 2024 to curb alleged weapons smuggling by Hamas, leading to its near-total closure, with only sporadic allowances for medical transfers during a temporary halt in fighting in early 2025.
According to Israel’s military coordination unit for Gaza aid, known as COGAT, the initial reopening will focus solely on pedestrian traffic, with a capped number of crossings permitted each day. An Israeli source, speaking anonymously, indicated that the process would begin with several dozen people moving in each direction, prioritizing those requiring urgent medical care abroad and Palestinians who escaped the region amid the hostilities. All travelers will undergo joint screening by Israeli and Egyptian officials, with European Union border monitors overseeing the site and extra Israeli checks conducted in a nearby secured zone.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the reopening as a cautious and regulated measure, stressing that full progress depends on eliminating Hamas’ military capabilities and dismantling its underground network. “We won’t move forward with rebuilding Gaza until these threats are addressed,” he stated, underscoring the linkage between security gains and humanitarian advancements.
On the Palestinian side, a recently appointed administrator for Gaza’s civil operations, Ali Shaath, expressed optimism that the crossing would become operational imminently, aligning with broader efforts to ease restrictions. The Rafah passage has long served as Gaza’s primary link to the external world, and its closure has exacerbated a dire humanitarian crisis. Local health authorities report that around 20,000 residents, including the ill and injured, urgently need specialized treatment unavailable in Gaza due to the war’s toll on medical infrastructure. Previous limited openings favored vulnerable groups like children, cancer sufferers, and trauma victims.
The decision reflects the second stage of the ceasefire framework, which aims to foster a demilitarized environment and new administrative structures in Gaza. Amidst this, thousands of Gazans are eager to depart the conflict-ravaged enclave, while many who left during the fighting hope to return home. Israeli officials have positioned the reopening as a tool in negotiations, contingent on verifiable steps toward disarmament.
While no immediate comments came from Egyptian representatives, the collaborative vetting process highlights Cairo’s ongoing role in managing the border. Observers note that this partial easing could pave the way for increased aid flows and reconstruction, though challenges remain in fully resolving the longstanding tensions in the region.
