Israel to Reopen Gaza's Rafah Crossing for Palestinians on Monday
Preparations are underway at Gaza's war-torn border crossing in Rafah, where Israel plans to reopen the gateway for Palestinians on Monday. The main crossing with Egypt, which has been largely shut since May 2024, will be opened in both directions for foot traffic only, with stringent security checks in place.
Only those who wish to leave Gaza and are sick or wounded will be allowed to pass through, with many expected to be patients in need of medical care abroad. The Palestinian health ministry says there are approximately 20,000 patients waiting to leave the territory.
The Israeli agency Cogat has confirmed that a pilot is currently underway to test the crossing's operation, with movement expected to begin tomorrow. However, only a limited number of people will be allowed through at any given time, with estimates suggesting around 150-200 individuals can pass through in both directions.
The reopening of the border crossing has been a key requirement for US President Donald Trump's plan to end the conflict in Gaza, but it has been repeatedly threatened by rounds of violence. In recent days, Israel has launched airstrikes that have killed at least 30 people, prompting calls for restraint from international leaders.
As part of the plan, Hamas is expected to lay down its arms and governance will be handed over to Palestinian technocrats, while Israeli troops are set to withdraw from the territory. However, the Islamist militant group has thus far rejected disarmament, leading Israel to warn that it will use force to achieve this goal if necessary.
The reopening of the Rafah crossing marks a crucial step towards resolving the conflict in Gaza, but many challenges remain ahead, including the need for a lasting ceasefire and the rebuilding of the devastated territory.
Preparations are underway at Gaza's war-torn border crossing in Rafah, where Israel plans to reopen the gateway for Palestinians on Monday. The main crossing with Egypt, which has been largely shut since May 2024, will be opened in both directions for foot traffic only, with stringent security checks in place.
Only those who wish to leave Gaza and are sick or wounded will be allowed to pass through, with many expected to be patients in need of medical care abroad. The Palestinian health ministry says there are approximately 20,000 patients waiting to leave the territory.
The Israeli agency Cogat has confirmed that a pilot is currently underway to test the crossing's operation, with movement expected to begin tomorrow. However, only a limited number of people will be allowed through at any given time, with estimates suggesting around 150-200 individuals can pass through in both directions.
The reopening of the border crossing has been a key requirement for US President Donald Trump's plan to end the conflict in Gaza, but it has been repeatedly threatened by rounds of violence. In recent days, Israel has launched airstrikes that have killed at least 30 people, prompting calls for restraint from international leaders.
As part of the plan, Hamas is expected to lay down its arms and governance will be handed over to Palestinian technocrats, while Israeli troops are set to withdraw from the territory. However, the Islamist militant group has thus far rejected disarmament, leading Israel to warn that it will use force to achieve this goal if necessary.
The reopening of the Rafah crossing marks a crucial step towards resolving the conflict in Gaza, but many challenges remain ahead, including the need for a lasting ceasefire and the rebuilding of the devastated territory.