Rafah crossing in the south, which has largely been closed since May 2024, has reopened for those travelling on foot

As we mentioned in a previous post, a small number of Palestinian people are expected to enter the Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt after it reopened for the movement of people, not humanitarian aid and commercial goods. Here are some key things to know about the crossing:

Before the war, the Rafah crossing with Egypt was the only direct exit point for most Palestinian people in Gaza to reach the outside world as well as a key entry point for aid. It has been largely shut since May 2024.

Cogat, the Israeli agency charged with administration of Gaza, said the crossing would reopen in both directions for Gaza residents on foot only and its operation would be coordinated with Egypt and the EU.

Israel has said the crossing will open under stringent security checks only for Palestinians people who wish to leave the territory and for those who fled the assault in the first months of the war to return. Many of those expected to leave are sick and injured people in need of medical care abroad.

Reopening the border crossing was a key requirement of the first phase of the US president Donald Trump’s plan to end Israel’s war on Gaza. Israeli attacks in Gaza have killed more than 500 Palestinians since the ceasefire began, local health officials say.

On Sunday, Israeli officials said a trial opening of the crossing was carried out and completed.

The Egyptian authorities will carry on controlling the crossing on their side of the border. The names of people wanting to return to Gaza will first be approved by Egypt, and then by Israel a day in advance.

Israel has NO authority to block anyone from entering the Palestinian territory it illegally occupies. Stop normalising the illegal occupation by bending to its diktats. Respect the ICJ deliberation: force Israel to end the occupation. Time for justice is NOW.