Jerusalem: Israel announced that it will partially reopen the Rafah Crossing, Gaza's main gateway to Egypt, starting Wednesday. This decision comes after the crossing was closed during the recent conflict with Iran.
According to TRTworld.com, the Israeli defense ministry body, COGAT, stated that the Rafah Crossing will be open for limited movement of people in both directions starting March 18. This movement will require prior Israeli security approval and will be coordinated with Egypt. The European Union Border Assistance Mission Rafah (EUBAM), which returned to the crossing earlier this year, will oversee the process.
Additional screening for individuals entering Gaza will occur within the territory in an area controlled by Israeli forces, as per COGAT. The Rafah Crossing serves as the only route in and out of Gaza that does not pass directly through Israel, making it a vital access point for Palestinians.
The crossing was briefly reopened on February 2 for the movement of people after nearly two years of closure due to Israeli aggression. However, Israel closed Rafah again on February 28 following joint strikes with the United States on Iran. Another key crossing, Karem Abu Salem, was reopened on March 3 to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, following the recent escalation.
Human rights groups, the United Nations, and Hamas have consistently urged for the reopening of Rafah, emphasizing its importance for humanitarian access to the territory. Often referred to as Gaza's lifeline, the crossing is now situated in an area controlled by Israeli forces after their withdrawal behind the so-called Yellow Line under a U.S.-mediated ceasefire.
Historically, Rafah has served as the primary exit point for Palestinians allowed to leave Gaza, which has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007. Israel took control of the Palestinian side of the crossing on May 7, 2024, citing its use for militant activities. The crossing was briefly opened for medical evacuations during a short ceasefire between Israel and Hamas earlier in the conflict.