Archive · 2 Feb 2026
Israel to Reopen Rafah Crossing for Palestinians
Israel is going to open the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt for a short time on Sunday.
This crossing is very important for people and aid to move in and out of Gaza.
It has been mostly closed since May 2024, except for a brief time earlier this year.
The reopening is happening after the remains of an Israeli hostage were returned.
People who need medical treatment or want to study abroad are waiting for the crossing to open.
However, it's not clear how many people will be allowed to cross, and there are still some safety checks and preparations to be made.
There has been fighting in Gaza, with many people killed in recent attacks.
The crossing is expected to help a new group that will manage Gaza's daily affairs.
Israel will partially reopen the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt on Sunday, February 1st, 2025, for the movement of people.
The reopening follows the return of the remains of the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza, Ran Gvili.
Access will be limited and coordinated with Egypt, with security clearance by Israel and supervision by the European Union mission.
Details on the number of people allowed to cross and entry permissions are still unclear, with preparations and logistical arrangements to be made on Sunday.
The crossing is expected to facilitate the entry of a Palestinian technocratic body, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), to oversee the governance of the territory.
- Who
- Israel, Egypt, European Union, Hamas, National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG)
- What
- Partial reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt
- When
- February 1st, 2025, on a trial basis for wounded individuals, with a regular reopening scheduled for Monday
- Where
- Rafah, Gaza Strip
- Why
- To facilitate the movement of people and humanitarian aid, following the return of the remains of the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza
- Location
- Rafah, Gaza Strip
- Date of Reopening
- February 1st, 2025
- Purpose of Reopening
- Movement of people, humanitarian aid
- Control of Crossing
- Israeli forces, supervised by EU mission
- Number of People Allowed to Cross
- 150-200 people in both directions
- Key Stakeholders
- Israel, Egypt, European Union, Hamas, National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG)
- Recent Violence
- 30 people killed in Israeli airstrikes on Saturday
- Reason for Previous Closure
- Israeli forces seized control in May 2024
Sources
Israel to Partially Reopen Gaza's Rafah Crossing
Preparations underway for full reopening of Gaza’s Rafah crossing, officials say
Reopening of Gaza’s Rafah crossing expected Monday, officials say
Rafah border crossing opens for trial; ‘limited passage’ of Palestinians to start from Monday
Israel Partially Reopens Gaza's Rafah Crossing After About Two Years Of Closure
