Israel is set to resume operations at the Rafah border crossing this Sunday to facilitate movement between Gaza and Egypt, marking the first reopening of this critical passage since May 2024. The decision was announced by COGAT, the Israeli agency overseeing civilian policies in Gaza, without specifying the daily limit for crossings by the approximately two million residents of Gaza.
According to COGAT, the reopening is authorized for Gaza residents who had left the territory during the conflict and obtained prior security clearance from Israel, in coordination with Egypt. The border crossing was taken over by Israel in May 2024 during the Gaza war, as part of fulfilling requirements under President Donald Trump’s peace plan aimed at resolving tensions between Israel and Hamas militants following a ceasefire in October.
The reopening comes after the recovery of the last Israeli hostage in Gaza this week, as insisted by Israel before resuming operations. Reports suggest that Israel aims to control the flow of Palestinians entering Gaza through the Rafah crossing to ensure a balance with those exiting, a measure not yet agreed upon by Egypt.
Despite ongoing discussions between Israel and Egypt regarding the issue, a reliable source confirmed that the crossing will open, with Israel intending to allow approximately 150 individuals to return daily. However, the reopening solely focuses on enabling people’s movement, while Gaza continues to face challenges in receiving essential aid due to Israeli restrictions.
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Mirjana Spoljaric highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for eased restrictions on crucial items like water pipes and generators to support the restoration of essential infrastructure.
The conflict has severely impacted Gaza, with much of the area left in ruins and a large portion of the population displaced. Israel’s military actions in Gaza, triggered by a Hamas-led attack in October 2023, have resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with over 71,400 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces, including more than 490 fatalities since October 2025, as reported by Gaza’s Health Ministry.
