Rafah Border Crossing Remains Closed as Israel Links Reopening to Hostage Remains
The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will remain closed “until further notice,” according to a statement released Saturday by the Israeli Prime Minister’s office. The decision to keep the crossing shuttered is contingent upon Hamas fulfilling its obligations regarding the return of the remains of hostages still held in gaza, as well as adhering to previously agreed-upon frameworks.
The Prime Minister’s office stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “ordered that the Rafah border crossing remains closed until further notice.” it further clarified, “Its reopening will be considered depending on how Hamas fulfills its obligations regarding the return of hostages and the bodies of the deceased, and the implementation of the agreed framework.”
This declaration follows the recovery of two new sets of remains returned by Hamas on Saturday.
The Israeli position contrasts with earlier statements from the palestinian embassy in Egypt, which indicated the Rafah border crossing would reopen on Monday, October 20th, to facilitate the return of Palestinians residing in Egypt to the territory.
Israeli authorities previously stated, on October 16th, that any reopening of the crossing would prioritize the movement of people, excluding the passage of humanitarian aid. Israel took control of the Palestinian side of the rafah crossing in early May 2024, alleging the facility was “used for terrorist purposes” and for arms smuggling.
Since the takeover, access to the crossing has been completely suspended, impacting even United Nations personnel. The crossing was briefly operational during a previous ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which began on january 19, 2025.
