Israel reopens Rafah crossing in ‘pilot operation’ after two years

Israel has reopened Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt in what Israeli media described as a “pilot operation,” marking the first opening of the crossing in two years.

Israeli media reported that technical and security checks are still under way at the Rafah crossing as authorities establish an initial operating system. The process is being coordinated with Egypt and a European Union mission tasked with supervising the Gaza side of the terminal.

Israel’s military body responsible for Palestinian civilian affairs, COGAT, said the step follows the ceasefire framework and a directive from the political leadership, describing the reopening as a limited “pilot phase.”

According to COGAT, only Palestinians who previously left Gaza during the war and have received prior Israeli security approval would be allowed to re-enter the territory in the first stage.

Israeli officials said Egypt has requested that departures from Gaza initially be restricted to wounded and ill patients, along with their accompanying relatives.

• Families wait anxiously for Rafah crossing to reopen

Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that Israel plans to establish a military checkpoint near the Gaza side of the crossing, a move Egypt has opposed.

Once the pilot phase is completed, Israeli officials estimate that around 150 people per day could be permitted to cross in each direction, with travellers transported in organised bus groups. Other Israeli media reports said roughly 150 people are expected to leave Gaza daily, while about 50 would be allowed to enter.

Rafah is Gaza’s only gateway to the outside world that does not pass through Israel and has remained largely closed since 2024 amid the war and tightening restrictions.

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