GAZA, Feb 1 – The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, marking a potentially significant development for Palestinians seeking to leave or return to the besieged enclave. Officials familiar with the process say logistical and security arrangements have begun, though it remains unclear whether any residents will be able to cross before the end of the day. If reopened, the crossing would operate under strict limitations, with movement allowed on foot only and under close coordination between multiple parties.
For years before the current war, Rafah served as Gaza’s primary gateway to the outside world for most Palestinians. It was not only the sole direct exit point for civilians hoping to travel abroad, but also a critical route for humanitarian aid entering the territory. Since May 2024, however, the crossing has been largely closed, leaving Gaza’s population increasingly isolated and compounding the humanitarian crisis caused by prolonged fighting and restrictions.
Israeli authorities overseeing humanitarian coordination have confirmed that the reopening is being treated as an initial pilot phase rather than a full resumption of operations. According to statements attributed to the Israeli military body responsible for civil coordination in the Palestinian territories, the process involves a series of preparatory steps intended to test readiness for broader activity. Officials emphasized that the movement of people in either direction would only begin once these measures are completed and approved.
A source close to the European Union mission involved in monitoring the crossing said that the details outlined by Israeli officials align with understandings reached among the parties. The source, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions, noted that EU personnel were coordinating with both Israeli and Egyptian counterparts to ensure procedures meet agreed standards. Separately, a Palestinian official indicated that the crossing was expected to open for passenger movement on Monday, though final confirmation would depend on last minute security clearances. The Egyptian foreign ministry did not issue an immediate public response to requests for comment.
Israel has stated that the reopening will be limited to Palestinians who wish to leave Gaza or those who fled during the early stages of the conflict and are now seeking to return. Officials have stressed that all movement will be subject to rigorous security checks. Residents will be allowed to cross on foot only, a restriction that underscores the cautious nature of the reopening and the broader security concerns shaping the process.
Among those expected to leave Gaza are thousands of sick and wounded Palestinians who require medical treatment unavailable inside the territory. Gaza’s health authorities have repeatedly warned that the healthcare system is overwhelmed, with shortages of equipment, medicine, and specialist care. According to figures released by the Palestinian health ministry, approximately 20,000 patients are currently waiting for permission to travel abroad for medical treatment. Many of these patients require urgent or specialized care, and delays in their departure have raised alarm among doctors and humanitarian workers.
An Israeli defense official, speaking to reporters, said the crossing’s capacity would be limited, with the facility able to handle between 150 and 200 people at any one time in both directions combined. The official added that the number of people leaving Gaza was expected to exceed those returning, as patients often travel with family members or escorts. Lists of individuals approved to cross have reportedly been submitted by Egyptian authorities and vetted by Israel in advance, a process that officials say is designed to prevent delays once operations begin.
The reopening of Rafah is also closely tied to broader political and diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict. It was identified as a key condition in the first phase of a plan put forward by US President Donald Trump to halt the fighting and lay the groundwork for longer term stability. While a ceasefire came into effect in October after two years of intense hostilities, it has remained fragile, with repeated incidents threatening to unravel it.
Local health officials in Gaza say that Israeli military operations since the ceasefire began have resulted in the deaths of more than 500 Palestinians. Israeli authorities, for their part, report that Palestinian militants have killed four Israeli soldiers during the same period. Tensions escalated further over the weekend when Israel carried out some of its heaviest airstrikes since the truce took hold, killing at least 30 people. Israeli officials said the strikes were a response to a violation of the ceasefire, alleging that Hamas fighters emerged from a tunnel in the Rafah area the previous day.
Looking ahead, subsequent stages of the US backed plan envision significant changes in Gaza’s governance and security arrangements. These include transferring administrative control to Palestinian technocrats, the withdrawal of Israeli troops, and the deployment of an international force to maintain security while reconstruction efforts begin. Central to these proposals is the demand that Hamas disarm, a condition the group has so far rejected.