Israel is set to reopen the Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt on Sunday, ending a closure that has largely remained in place for nearly two years amid ongoing conflict and security restrictions.
The crossing, Gaza’s only gateway to the outside world not directly controlled by Israel, was shut down in May 2024 following the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas. Since then, it has only been opened intermittently for limited humanitarian cases and special evacuations.
Israeli authorities said the reopening will allow restricted movement of people in both directions, subject to prior security clearance. The process will be coordinated with Egyptian officials, with movement expected to be tightly regulated in its initial phase.
The decision comes as part of broader arrangements linked to recent de-escalation efforts and follows the completion of procedures related to the recovery of the body of the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza, according to Israeli officials.
Before its closure, the Rafah crossing served as the primary exit point for Gaza’s more than two million residents, facilitating travel for medical treatment, education, and family reunification. Its prolonged shutdown has significantly worsened humanitarian conditions in the enclave, leaving thousands unable to leave or enter the territory.
International and humanitarian organizations have repeatedly called for the sustained reopening of the crossing to ease restrictions on civilian movement and improve access to essential services.
The reopening is expected to be closely monitored, amid ongoing uncertainty over security arrangements and the future management of Gaza’s border crossings.
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