Israel’s occupation authorities announced Wednesday that they will reopen the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt in the coming days—but only in one direction and strictly for select groups of Palestinians.
According to a statement from Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, “the Rafah Crossing will open in the coming days exclusively for the exit of residents from the Gaza Strip to Egypt.”
The exit will be contingent on Israeli security clearance, coordinated with Egyptian authorities, and conducted under the oversight of the European Union Mission—replicating the restrictive and heavily surveilled framework used during a brief opening in January 2025.
That earlier arrangement featured intensified monitoring, Israeli pre-approval requirements, and EU supervision. Only a narrow list of people were permitted to cross: the wounded, the sick, students, and those with Egyptian residency permits.
A Palestinian political source told Al Manassa the same criteria would apply this time. “There’s no confirmed date for reopening yet,” said the source, who asked not to be named. “International organizations are expected to coordinate travel for those granted exit.”
The announcement comes as Israeli forces continue to violate the ceasefire agreement signed in October 2025. Although the truce formally began on Oct. 11, Israeli attacks have persisted beyond the designated “yellow line” safe zones, resulting in significant casualties.
According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza, Israel killed 356 Palestinians and wounded 909 in attacks that breach the truce. Since the beginning of Israel’s assault on Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023, the total number of Palestinians killed has climbed to 70,112, with injuries surpassing 171,000.
The Palestinian Information Center condemned Israel’s decision to open Rafah only for outbound traffic, calling it a clear violation of the ceasefire terms, which stipulate two-way humanitarian access.
Israeli forces have kept Rafah sealed since launching a ground invasion of Rafah city in May 2024. The closure has left thousands of Palestinians trapped inside Gaza, cut off from medical evacuation, safe passage, or entry of aid workers and supplies.
Since Israel began its genocidal campaign, approximately 100,000 Palestinians were forcibly displaced from Gaza into Egypt. In October 2025, the Palestinian embassy in Egypt announced that the crossing will be opened in light of the ceasefire, providing those who reside in the country with contact information to apply for return. A day later, Israel declared that the blockade will remain in place, alleging ceasefire violations on the part of Hamas. The crossing has been closed to individuals since then.
