Israel to Partially Reopen Gaza’s Rafah Crossing Sunday

Israel is set to partially reopen the Rafah crossing between the war-ravaged Gaza Strip and Egypt on Sunday, ending months of closure but limiting access to the movement of people only, Israeli authorities said.

The reopening comes amid continued violence in Gaza. The territory’s civil defence agency reported dozens killed in Israeli strikes on Saturday, while Israel said the attacks were carried out in response to ceasefire violations.

Rafah is a critical gateway for civilians and humanitarian access, but has remained shut since Israeli forces took control of the area in May 2024 during the war with Hamas, aside from a brief and limited reopening earlier this year.

Israel had previously linked the reopening to the return of the remains of Ran Gvili, the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza. His remains were recovered days ago and he was buried in Israel on Wednesday.

“The Rafah crossing will open this coming Sunday in both directions for the limited movement of people,” Israel’s civil affairs authority said, adding that travel would take place in coordination with Egypt, subject to Israeli security clearance and under European Union supervision.

Key details remain unresolved, including how many people will be allowed to cross and whether Palestinians seeking to return to Gaza will be permitted entry. Border sources said Sunday would largely be used for logistical preparations, with wounded individuals expected to cross on a trial basis ahead of a broader reopening planned for Monday.

Egypt is expected to admit all Palestinians authorised by Israel to leave Gaza, though no final agreement has been reached on daily numbers.

For many Gazans, the reopening cannot come soon enough. Mohammed Shamiya, a 33-year-old kidney patient requiring dialysis abroad, said each passing day worsens his condition as he waits for permission to leave. Students, including scholarship recipient Safa al-Hawajri, also hope the crossing will reopen their path to education overseas.

Rafah, located on Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, is the only crossing that does not pass through Israel. While Israeli forces have withdrawn behind the so-called Yellow Line under a US-brokered ceasefire that took effect on October 10, they continue to control more than half of Gaza.

The ceasefire has entered its second phase, which предусматри reopening Rafah following the release or return of all Israeli hostages. Hamas has called for the crossing to be fully reopened in both directions.

The reopening is also expected to allow entry of a newly formed Palestinian technocratic body tasked with overseeing day-to-day administration in Gaza, as fighting continues to test the fragile truce.