Israel said on Monday it would reopen the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, but only for pedestrians. The reopening will occur once Israeli forces recover the remains of the last captive, Ran Gvili. The crossing has been closed since October 2023, limiting Gaza’s access to essential aid and supplies.
The move is part of a US-backed truce framework announced by President Donald Trump last year. Israeli officials said pedestrian access will be subject to full inspections. It remains unclear if medical patients will be allowed to leave Gaza for treatment abroad.
Read more: Gaza’s Rafah border with Egypt to reopen next week
Gaza’s newly appointed administrator, Ali Shaath, said the crossing could open “in both directions” this week. Shaath called Rafah “a lifeline and a symbol of opportunity” for the 2.2 million people living under blockade. World leaders and aid agencies have repeatedly urged Israel to allow humanitarian convoys into Gaza.
Hamas has provided mediators with information about the last captive’s body. All other 251 captives, living or dead, have already been returned. Gvili’s family has opposed reopening Rafah until his remains are recovered, insisting that he must be brought home first.
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The two-year conflict has left Gaza devastated, with at least 71,657 Palestinians dead, according to local health authorities. The reopening of Rafah, even limited, could provide vital humanitarian relief to the besieged territory. Officials said it will happen after the completion of Israel’s search for Gvili.