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 authorities said preparations are under way for the crossing to begin regular operations on Monday, marking the first step toward a broader reopening after nearly two years of closure.
Israel’s military body responsible for Palestinian civilian affairs, COGAT, said a pilot phase is currently testing and assessing procedures, with movement of residents expected to start once preparations are completed. The operation is being coordinated with Egypt and a European Union mission supervising the Gaza side of the terminal.
According to COGAT, the crossing will reopen for Gaza residents on foot only and in both directions, in line with the ceasefire framework and directives from Israel’s political leadership.
Israeli officials said Egypt requested that initial departures from Gaza be limited to wounded and ill patients, along with their accompanying relatives.
Palestinian health officials say around 20,000 patients are waiting to leave Gaza for medical treatment abroad.
Two Egyptian officials said at least 50 Palestinian patients are being processed to cross into Egypt, with around 200 people per day expected to leave Gaza in the first days, including patients and family members. About 50 people are expected to return to Gaza daily.
An Israeli defence official said the crossing can handle between 150 and 200 people per day in total, with more people leaving than returning because patients travel with escorts.
According to COGAT, only Palestinians who previously left Gaza during the war and have received prior Israeli security approval will be allowed to re-enter the territory in the first stage.
Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that Israel plans to establish a military checkpoint near the Gaza side of the crossing, a move Egypt has opposed.
Before the war, Rafah was Gaza’s only direct gateway to the outside world that does not pass through Israel and served as a key entry point for humanitarian aid. The crossing has been largely closed since May 2024 and under Israeli military control on the Gaza side.
Reopening Rafah is a key element of the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan aimed at ending the Israel-Hamas war. However, the ceasefire has remained fragile, with both sides accusing each other of violations in recent weeks.
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