Rafah Crossing to Reopen for Limited Travel

Israel will reopen the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Palestine’s Gaza this Sunday, 1 February, for the first time since May 2024.

While the gateway is a vital lifeline for supplies, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories confirmed movement will be restricted to a “limited movement of people only.”

Priority will be given to medical evacuees and residents who fled during the conflict. All individuals must receive prior security clearance from Israel and undergo vetting by Egyptian and European Union officials.

Despite the breakthrough, the humanitarian situation remains critical. Addressing the lack of infrastructure, International Committee of the Red Cross president Mirjana Spoljaric stated that many are “struggling to stay warm amid harsh winter conditions.”

She has urged for an easing of restrictions on “dual-use” items like generators.

The reopening follows the recovery of the final Israeli hostage’s remains earlier this week. However, tensions persist as Hamas calls for the gate to open “without restrictions,” while Prime Minister Netanyahu maintains that Gaza’s reconstruction is dependent on the total demilitarisation of the territory.

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