Israel to reopen Gaza–Egypt border crossing after nearly two years of closure

Israel says it will reopen Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt on Sunday, allowing limited movement of people in and out of the territory for the first time in nearly two years.

The Israeli military agency COGAT, which oversees civilian coordination with Gaza, said the reopening will permit “limited movement of people only,” with both Israel and Egypt screening those seeking to cross. European Union border assistance personnel will supervise operations at the crossing, Gaza’s primary link to the outside world.

The Rafah crossing has been largely closed since May 2024, following renewed fighting that deepened Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and left many residents unable to travel for medical treatment, education, or family reunification. Palestinian residents who left Gaza during the war will be permitted to return, subject to Israeli security clearance.

Israeli officials have framed the move as part of broader ceasefire steps supported by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, which has pushed for measures to stabilize the region and ease civilian hardship. The reopening follows Israel’s recovery earlier this week of the remains of the last hostage held in Gaza, a development that helped remove a key obstacle to the decision.

Humanitarian organizations have long argued that sustained access through Rafah is critical for civilians, though it remains unclear how many people will be allowed to cross under the initial restrictions or how long the arrangement will last.