Rafah Crossing Set to Open for Gaza Residents, Israel announces
The Rafah crossing, Gaza’s primary access point to the outside world not directly controlled by Israel, is preparing to open “in the coming days” allowing residents to cross into Egypt. The proclamation comes from the Israeli military body responsible for overseeing aid flows,COGAT (Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories).
This move follows forensic analysis of partial remains recovered this week in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza, which Israel determined do not match those of the two remaining hostages - one Israeli adn one Thai national – still held in gaza.
COGAT stated the opening is in accordance with the current ceasefire agreement and a directive from Israeli political leaders. The process will require “Israeli security approval” for those seeking to leave Gaza, and will be coordinated with Egypt under the supervision of the European Union mission, mirroring a similar mechanism used in January 2025.
While a specific timeframe hasn’t been provided,the intention is to facilitate passage for medical care and general travel. The World Health Institution estimates over 16,500 sick and wounded Gazans require medical evacuation.
The Rafah crossing is jointly controlled by Egypt, Israel, and the European Union under existing agreements. Historically, the crossing has faced frequent and prolonged closures, and even when open, access has been subject to sudden and unpredictable restrictions.
The planned opening coincides with the nearing completion of the first phase of the US-brokered ceasefire. Since the ceasefire began in early October, twenty living hostages and the remains of 26 others have been returned to Israel. As part of the agreement, Israel has released the bodies of 15 Palestinians for every hostage recovered, with Gaza’s health ministry reporting a total of 330 Palestinian bodies received to date.
