Rafah Crossing to Partially Reopen for Pedestrians, Ending Nine-Month Closure
In a significant shift, Israel confirmed on Thursday that the Rafah border crossing—a critical gateway between the Gaza Strip and Egypt—will partially reopen this Sunday, February 1st. The crossing, seized by Israeli forces in May 2024, has been closed to pedestrian traffic for nine months.
The announcement was made by Israel's Coordinator for Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the military body overseeing civilian affairs in Gaza. According to the statement, the crossing will operate in both directions but strictly "for the limited movement of people only." The move is framed as a humanitarian gesture under the framework of former U.S. President Donald Trump's long-dormant 20-point peace plan.
"The return of residents from Egypt to the Gaza Strip will be permitted, in coordination with Egypt, for residents who left Gaza during the course of the war only, and only after prior security clearance by Israel," COGAT stated. The process will involve initial screening by a European Union mission at the crossing, followed by an additional identification check in a designated corridor controlled by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).
The reopening comes just days after Israel confirmed the recovery and return of the remains of Staff Sgt. Ran Gvili, the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza. The Prime Minister's Office had previously linked the crossing's reopening to the return of all living hostages and a "100 percent effort" by Hamas to locate and return the deceased.
Analysts view the decision as a carefully calibrated step, aimed at easing some pressure on Gaza's civilian population while maintaining stringent security control. The Rafah crossing has been a flashpoint and a lifeline for years, used for everything from medical evacuations to smuggling. Its capture last year was part of an Israeli operation to sever Hamas's supply routes.
Reactions & Analysis:
David Chen, a regional analyst at the Middle East Policy Institute: "This is a tactical, not a strategic, opening. It allows some familial reunification and eases the image of a total siege, but the 'limited movement' and full Israeli oversight mean control over Gaza's perimeter remains absolute. It's a concession within the confines of overwhelming control."
Sarah El-Masri, a humanitarian aid worker with ReliefDirect in Cairo: "Any opening is a relief for families torn apart for months. However, 'limited movement' with dual-layer screening will create bottlenecks. We've seen this before—it will help dozens, not the thousands who are stranded, sick, or desperate. The devil is in the bureaucratic details."
Mark Jensen, a former diplomat and commentator for 'Global Watch': "Linking this to the Trump plan is largely symbolic, but it signals to Washington that Netanyahu can make gestures. The real catalyst was the hostage issue being resolved. This gives the government domestic cover to say, 'We achieved our aim, now we can show flexibility.'"
Layla Hassan, a journalist and activist based in Ramallah: "This is a cruel PR stunt. After months of collective punishment, they offer a trickle of movement under their direct gaze and call it progress. It keeps Gaza in a chokehold while pretending to loosen the grip. The world should not applaud a jailer occasionally unlocking a single cell."