DaysofPal – Israel announced on Sunday evening that the Rafah Crossing will reopen in both directions starting Wednesday, allowing limited movement of people from the southern Gaza Strip.
In a press statement, Israeli occupation forces said the decision followed a security assessment and a review of conditions that permit the resumption of operations at the crossing. Authorities said security restrictions will remain in place due to what they described as ongoing threats in the region.
The announcement states that the crossing will function using the same system that was in place prior to its closure. Entry and exit of travelers will take place in coordination with Egypt, after obtaining prior security approval from Israel, and under the supervision of the European Union Border Assistance Mission Rafah.
The arrangement also includes additional inspection and verification procedures at a checkpoint located in an area controlled by Israeli forces. The measures form part of the security protocols applied to travelers passing through the crossing.
The reopening follows a period of complete closure of Gaza’s crossings. The office of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories had ordered the shutdown of Gaza crossings, including Rafah and the Kerem Shalom Crossing, when the Israeli-US war on Iran began on February 28.
The closure halted the entry of humanitarian and medical aid into Gaza. It also disrupted civilian travel and prevented many patients and wounded Palestinians from leaving the territory for urgent medical treatment abroad during a period marked by worsening humanitarian conditions and severe shortages of essential supplies.
Israeli occupation forces previously allowed a limited reopening of the Rafah crossing in early February 2026. During that period, a number of Palestinian patients and wounded individuals were permitted to leave the enclave for treatment, while some Palestinians returned to Gaza under Israeli conditions and after receiving security approvals.
The arrangement formed part of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement that took effect in October 2025.
The Rafah crossing represents the only land route linking the Gaza Strip to the outside world without passing through Israel. The crossing area has remained under Israeli military control since May 2024, though it has reopened for limited periods since early 2025.
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