CAIRO, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Israel on Friday announced it would reopen the Rafah crossing on the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt on Sunday, marking a significant step in implementing the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement.
As Gaza enters a new phase of governance and recovery, the reopening of its primary gateway has drawn intense international attention, particularly from Cairo, which has long advocated resuming operations at the terminal.
HOW IMPORTANT IS THE CROSSING?
The Rafah crossing, at the southernmost tip of Gaza, is the only land link for the Gaza Strip that does not lead directly into Israel. Historically, it has been a lifeline for Gaza's 2.3 million residents, serving as the primary route for humanitarian aid, medical evacuations, and civilian travel. Since Israeli forces took control of the Palestinian side of the crossing in May 2024, it has remained largely closed, deepening an already severe humanitarian crisis.
The status of Gaza's other two main crossings also remains critical to regional stability. The Kerem Shalom crossing is the main route for commercial goods and large-scale humanitarian aid, operating under strict Israeli inspections. The Erez crossing, also known as Beit Hanoun, serves as a pedestrian terminal for permit holders and currently functions in a limited capacity under Israeli military oversight. While Kerem Shalom handles most logistics, Rafah is unique as the only terminal under Egyptian-Palestinian coordination, making it a symbol of Palestinian connectivity to the broader Arab world.
WHY DID ISRAEL AGREE TO THE REOPENING?
The breakthrough followed the recovery of the remains of Ran Gvili, the last Israeli soldier held in Gaza, on Monday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously tied the reopening to the return of all captives.
Observers cite several factors behind Israel's decision. U.S. diplomatic pressure has been significant, with Washington urging Tel Aviv to fulfill the terms of the peace framework, which considers the crossing essential for Gaza's reconstruction.
Egypt has repeatedly warned that keeping Rafah closed undermines regional security and violates bilateral protocols. North Sinai Governor Khaled Megawer confirmed Egypt's full operational readiness on Thursday, with its crisis center in Cairo preparing for scenarios including the immediate admission of wounded Palestinians.
The reopening is also seen as central to the ceasefire deal's second phase, which involves shifting Gaza's administration to a technocratic committee.
HOW WILL THE CROSSING BE USED?
Initially, the reopening is limited to people, not cargo. Israel plans to maintain Rafah as a pedestrian-only crossing to control what enters the territory. Israeli media, citing officials, project an initial daily volume of 150 to 200 travelers, with only 50 allowed to return to Gaza each day; the rest of the quota is for departures.
An official statement from the Israeli Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories said returns are limited to Palestinians who left Gaza during the war, subject to Israeli security clearance and Egyptian coordination.
Plans also exist to use the terminal for specific humanitarian aid, such as vaccines and medicines requiring cold storage, which are easier to move through Rafah than through larger commercial crossings.
Reconstruction and trade will be slower and tightly controlled. Heavy materials such as cement, steel, and machinery will continue through Kerem Shalom, where Israel has more advanced scanning equipment to inspect the supply. Egypt is pushing for Rafah to soon handle light reconstruction supplies, including tools for repairing water and electricity systems and clearing rubble.
Full-scale trade through Rafah will require a new logistics zone, allowing international monitors to confirm that all goods go to civilian projects approved by the new Palestinian administrative committee. ■
