Rafah border to Gaza set to open 'in coming days'

Israel declared on Wednesday that it will partially reopen the key Rafah border crossing connecting the Gaza Strip with Egypt as part of a ceasefire arrangement with the Hamas militant organization, but the opening will only allow Palestinians to exit the territory.

The COGAT authority, responsible for executing Israeli policy in the Palestinian Territories, stated: "In line with the ceasefire deal and a directive from the political leadership, the Rafah Crossing will open in the coming days exclusively for residents leaving the Gaza Strip for Egypt."

The authority added that the exit process will be coordinated with Egypt, require Israeli security clearance, and operate under the supervision of the European Union mission. COGAT noted that a similar arrangement was briefly in place in January 2025, when the border was opened temporarily to allow injured Gazans to leave, before closing again.

The Rafah crossing reopening has been postponed multiple times since the initial announcement following the ceasefire agreement signed on October 10. Until now, Palestinians have only been permitted to exit Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing under strict limitations.

Israel clarified that Rafah will not be used for the delivery of humanitarian aid, which continues to primarily enter Gaza via Kerem Shalom. The European Union intends to assist in monitoring operations at Rafah through its civilian Border Assistance Mission once the crossing becomes operational.

Author: Connor Blake