Rafah Border Crossing to Reopen

On Thursday, Israel announced plans to reopen the Rafah border crossing, allowing movement between Gaza and Egypt. This will mark the first time since May 2024 that the crossing has been open for people.

Israel’s Coordinator of Regional Government Activities (COGAT), which manages humanitarian efforts in the Gaza Strip, stated that the crossing will “open in both directions this coming Sunday (February 1),” but added that the movement will be restricted. They clarified that residents returning from Egypt must do so in coordination with Egyptian authorities and must have prior security approval from Israel.

Kogut mentioned that in addition to initial checks by the European Union Mission at the Rafah crossing, there will be further inspections at designated areas controlled by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

This reopening comes after the area was closed following Israel’s military occupation, which aimed to cut off arms smuggling by Hamas. In early 2025, during a temporary ceasefire, the Associated Press reported on medical evacuations through this route.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office indicated that this “limited reopening” aligns with President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace strategy. However, it will only allow pedestrian traffic and remains contingent on Hamas’s efforts to return hostages.

Recently, Israel retrieved the last identified Israeli hostage from Gaza after an extended captivity, which was a significant development in this ongoing situation.