U.S. News
Rafah Crossing Reopens With Strict Controls
Clear Facts
- Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt reopened Monday under a ceasefire, operating with restricted passage for Palestinians.
- Only up to 50 people are allowed to cross in either direction, with strict traveler vetting and no commercial goods permitted.
- Israel and Egypt jointly oversee the crossing, aiming to balance humanitarian concerns with security.
The Rafah crossing is now functioning on a limited basis after being mostly closed for nearly two years, pressing humanitarian needs remain in Gaza.
The reopening serves as a tightly controlled passage for those seeking medical evacuation and Palestinians returning to Gaza, rather than a full restoration of travel.
“Health officials in Gaza say tens of thousands of residents with urgent medical needs are seeking evacuation through Rafah.”
Ambulances and aid trucks are positioned at the crossing, with Egypt preparing its hospitals for incoming patients.
Under current arrangements, commercial goods do not have access, and international oversight is in place to prevent weapons smuggling.
Egypt insists the crossing operate two ways and opposes using Rafah for permanent Palestinian displacement.
Some violence in the territory has persisted despite the ceasefire, including reports of shelling near Khan Younis.
Israel seized control of the Rafah crossing in May 2024 and had previously opened it briefly for medical evacuations during an earlier ceasefire.
The ongoing ceasefire, brokered by the U.S., started in October 2024 and aims beyond immediate security to longer-term solutions involving governance, security, and reconstruction for Gaza.
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