Israel is set to reopen the Rafah border crossing on Sunday to facilitate travel between Gaza and Egypt, marking the first time the passage has been operational since May 2024. The Israeli government agency COGAT, responsible for civilian policy in Gaza, announced the reopening without specifying the daily quota for border crossings.
COGAT stated that residents who had departed Gaza during the conflict would be permitted to return from Egypt, pending security clearance by Israel in coordination with Egypt. This move fulfills a key requirement of U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan to resolve the Israel-Hamas conflict, following a ceasefire agreement in October.
The reopening comes after Israel regained control of the border crossing in May 2024, following nine months of conflict in Gaza. The crossing was unlocked after the recovery of the final Israeli hostage in Gaza earlier this week, as promised by Israel. Reports indicate that Israel aims to regulate the flow of Palestinians entering Gaza through the Rafah crossing, prioritizing outbound travel over inbound movement, a measure that Egypt has not yet endorsed.
Despite ongoing discussions between Egypt and Israel, sources familiar with the situation suggest that around 150 individuals may be allowed to cross the border daily. The reopening of the Rafah crossing will focus solely on the passage of people, while Gaza continues to face challenges in receiving critical aid due to Israeli restrictions.
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Mirjana Spoljaric highlighted the urgent need to ease restrictions on essential items like water pipes and generators in Gaza, crucial for rebuilding vital infrastructure. Gaza, severely affected by Israel’s prolonged offensive, remains in ruins, with the majority of its population displaced.
Israel initiated its military operations in Gaza in response to a Hamas-led attack in October 2023, resulting in significant casualties. The conflict has claimed the lives of over 71,400 Palestinians, with more than 490 Palestinian fatalities recorded since October 10, 2025, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.