Rafah Crossing to Reopen Sunday After Two-Year Closure, Easing Gaza Movement
JERUSALEM — After nearly two years of stringent closure, the vital Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt is set to reopen this Sunday under a new, limited arrangement announced by Israeli authorities on Friday.
The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) stated the crossing will operate for "limited movement of persons only," marking a significant, though cautious, shift in policy. Both Israel and Egypt will maintain security vetting for all individuals, with European Union border agents providing on-site supervision.
The reopening follows intense diplomatic pressure and is viewed as a critical step in implementing the U.S.-brokered ceasefire framework for Gaza. The crossing, Gaza's primary lifeline to the outside world, has been largely sealed since mid-2024, severely restricting the movement of people and goods.
"This is a necessary humanitarian step, but it is not a return to normalcy," a senior Israeli official told reporters on condition of anonymity. The decision to proceed was reportedly facilitated by the recent recovery of the remains of the last known hostage held in Gaza, removing a key obstacle cited by Israeli security officials.
Palestinians who fled the territory during the recent conflict will be eligible to return, pending Israeli security approval. The move is expected to alleviate some pressure on families separated by the long closure, though the "limited" scope of the reopening suggests traffic will remain a fraction of pre-closure levels.
Analysis & Reaction: Analysts note the reopening serves dual purposes: addressing acute humanitarian concerns while testing security mechanisms for a post-ceasefire reality. However, the stringent controls underscore the deep-seated mistrust that persists. The flow of people and commerce remains a central issue in the fragile Gaza reconstruction process.
Voices from the Region:
"Finally, a sliver of hope for families torn apart. My sister hasn't been able to visit our sick mother in Cairo for two years. This is about basic human dignity." — Layla Hassan, 42, Civil Rights Lawyer in Ramallah.
"A 'limited' opening is a propaganda victory, not a solution. It keeps Gaza in a state of controlled suffocation. This is about managing international criticism, not granting freedom of movement." — David Cohen, 58, Political Science Professor at Tel Aviv University (sharper, more critical tone).
"The EU's monitoring role is crucial for building trust. This is a technical but essential first step. The real test will be sustaining and expanding access in the coming months." — Marco Ferrara, 50, EU Diplomat based in Jerusalem.
"As a business owner in Khan Younis, I need to import materials. Until they allow goods through, not just people, our economy remains strangled. This is a half-measure." — Omar Khalidi, 37, Construction Contractor in Gaza.