Israel is set to partially reopen the Rafah crossing on Sunday after nearly two years of complete closure, officials said.
The move comes amid ongoing violence in Gaza, with the territory’s civil defence agency reporting dozens of casualties from Israeli attacks on Saturday.
Rafah – the key transit point for civilians and humanitarian aid between Gaza and Egypt – has remained closed since May 2024.
On Friday, the Israeli Defence Ministry body overseeing civil affairs in the Palestinian territories announced: “The Rafah Crossing will open this coming Sunday (February 1st) in both directions, for limited movement of people only.”
It added that entry and exit “will be permitted in coordination with Egypt, following prior security clearance of individuals by Israel, and under the supervision of the European Union mission.”
Israeli authorities had announced the reopening of the transit point on the condition that the remains of Ran Gvili, the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza, were returned. His body was recovered days ago and laid to rest in Israel on Wednesday.
Also Read: Hamas accepts disarmament offer in US-backed peace deal: Report
While key details remain unclear, including the number of people allowed to cross daily and whether those wishing to return to Gaza will be permitted entry, the crossing will initially allow injured Palestinians to go to Egypt for treatment.
Sources indicate that despite no formal agreement, “Egypt will permit all Palestinians to enter its territory who the Israeli government allows to leave.”
Rafah is the only crossing into or out of Gaza that does not pass through Israeli territory.
Despite the ceasefire, Israeli troops continue to control nearly half of Gaza, while the other half remains under Hamas control.
The Gaza civil defence agency – operating under Hamas authority – reported that at least 32 people, including children, were killed in Israeli air strikes on Saturday.
Israel’s military stated that the strikes were in retaliation for an incident on Friday in which eight Palestinian fighters emerged from a tunnel in Rafah, which it described as a violation of the ceasefire.
Follow us
