Israel’s Channel 12 quoted a security source as saying that the Rafah Crossing has been initially opened, in the presence of representatives from the European Union and Egypt, after more than a year and a half of near-total closure.
اضافة اعلان
The channel reported on Sunday that some individuals may be allowed to cross the Rafah Crossing today, but the number will not exceed 150 people.
Shadi Othman, the EU Office spokesperson in Jerusalem, said on Sunday that the crossing will undergo a “trial operation” to facilitate the movement of Palestinians to and from the Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian media reports.
Othman stressed that the primary objective at this stage is to ensure the opening of the crossing in both directions, allowing residents to enter and exit smoothly.
He emphasized that the legal reference governing the EU’s role at the Rafah Crossing is linked to previous agreements, particularly the 2005 Agreement, noting that the EU’s role is focused on monitoring to ensure compliance with the agreed standards.
Othman recalled that the European Union had been present during previous periods when the crossing was opened, especially during the first truce, which allowed a number of citizens to leave the Gaza Strip.
The reopening of the crossing comes after months of appeals by countries, the United Nations, humanitarian organizations, and Gaza residents, who have been living under extremely harsh conditions amid widespread destruction and blockade.
Despite a ceasefire agreement being in effect since October 10, Israel had refrained from taking any steps regarding the Rafah Crossing between Gaza and Egypt.
The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) announced that entry to and exit from the Gaza Strip via the Rafah Crossing will be permitted in coordination with Egypt, after obtaining prior Israeli security approval, and under the supervision of the European Union mission.
It clarified that only residents who left during the war will be allowed to return.
On Friday, Hamas renewed its call to open the crossing, stating in a statement that there must be serious pressure to stop the repeated aggression against our people and to move immediately to the second phase, including opening the Rafah Crossing in both directions and enabling the national committee to operate in the Gaza Strip, which has been devastated by occupation.
Rafah is the only land crossing connecting Gaza to the outside world without passing through Israel. It is located in territory that remains under Israeli military control despite the ceasefire.
Israel took control of the crossing in May 2024, before it was briefly reopened in early 2025.
Residents of the besieged and devastated Gaza Strip, along with the United Nations and many organizations, are eagerly awaiting the opening of the crossing due to the catastrophic humanitarian conditions caused by the war in Gaza.
However, Israel’s announcement of a limited reopening under strict restrictions, following strong U.S. pressure, falls short of the demands of the United Nations, humanitarian organizations, and Hamas.
UN Secretary-General spokesperson Farhan Haq said, “We of course hope that the opening of Rafah will allow for the transport of goods… as this is essential to increasing humanitarian supplies entering Gaza and would contribute to expanding the humanitarian response.”
He added that with regard to those leaving, “we have repeatedly said that those who wish to leave or return should be able to do so voluntarily and safely.”
