As part of efforts to advance the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt is being prepared for a limited reopening after nearly two years of near-total closure. Israeli authorities have begun trial operations aimed at resuming pedestrian travel and easing restrictions on movement, a key element of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire framework that came into effect in October 2025.
On Monday, the crossing allowed restricted travel in both directions, with officials from Israel, Egypt and the European Union supervising the flow of people. Initially, only a small number of Palestinians are permitted to cross daily, with priority given to those needing urgent medical care and individuals previously displaced who wish to return. The operation does not yet permit the movement of goods or large-scale humanitarian aid through Rafah, which remains under strict security oversight.
The reopening follows months of pressure from humanitarian organisations and international mediators, as well as the recent recovery of the last Israeli hostage’s remains — a condition cited by Israeli officials for allowing the crossing’s operation to begin. Despite these steps, violence has continued in and around the enclave, highlighting the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the challenges facing full implementation of peace-related commitments.
news as reported
