Israel’s military aid agency COGAT said on Thursday that preparations are underway with Egypt to reopen the Rafah border crossing with Gaza for the movement of people, though the date remains unannounced. The Rafah crossing Gaza’s main gateway to Egypt has been closed for months, trapping civilians and complicating humanitarian access. It is a critical passage for those seeking medical treatment or refuge abroad.
The move comes after Israel previously warned it might keep Rafah closed and limit aid flows into Gaza, accusing Hamas of delaying the return of hostages’ bodies, a sensitive issue that threatens the fragile ceasefire which halted two years of devastating conflict.
Why It Matters
The reopening of Rafah is seen as a potential lifeline for civilians in Gaza, where living conditions remain dire despite ongoing aid deliveries via Kerem Shalom and other crossings. While Israel says humanitarian aid will not pass through Rafah, the crossing’s reopening could ease civilian movement and diplomatic tensions with Egypt, which has long pressed for its resumption.
COGAT’s statement that “humanitarian aid will not pass through Rafah” highlights persistent disagreements over aid logistics and border control. Any delays risk deepening the humanitarian crisis and undermining the international community’s trust in the ceasefire’s implementation.
Israeli officials have reiterated that security concerns remain a priority, emphasizing tight coordination with Egypt to prevent any renewed smuggling or militant infiltration.
Egyptian authorities, meanwhile, are said to be cautiously optimistic about reopening Rafah, but stress that the terms must ensure civilian safety and respect Egyptian sovereignty.
Humanitarian groups, including the U.N. and Red Crescent, have urged both countries to accelerate access through all crossings, warning that delays could cost lives as hospitals face shortages and families remain separated.
What’s Next
Officials say the exact reopening date will be announced later, depending on security assessments and infrastructure readiness at the crossing. Aid will continue to move via Kerem Shalom, but Rafah’s reopening could symbolize a step toward longer-term normalization of border management under international oversight.
Analysts suggest that progress on Rafah could serve as a litmus test for broader cooperation between Israel, Egypt, and international partners and may determine whether the ceasefire can hold in the coming months.
With information from Reuters.
