Israel to Open Rafah Border Crossing with Egypt for First Time Since May 2024

Israel has announced the reopening of the Rafah border crossing for travel between Gaza and Egypt, marking the first time this critical passage will open since May 2024. This announcement was made on Thursday by Israel’s Coordinator for Government Activities in the Territories, commonly referred to as COGAT.

COGAT indicated that the crossing will be accessible beginning this Sunday, February 1st, and will allow for limited movement of individuals in both directions.

Restrictions on Movement

The return of residents from Egypt to Gaza will be facilitated, but only for those who left Gaza amid the ongoing conflict. COGAT emphasized that these movements will occur only after receiving prior security clearance from Israel.

Additionally, travelers will undergo initial identification and screening at the Rafah Crossing, overseen by the European Union mission. Following this, further screening will happen at a designated corridor operated by Israel’s defense establishment, ensuring heightened security.

Background of the Border Crossing

This reopening represents a significant development, as it has been closed to the movement of people since Israeli forces took control of the area in May 2024. Reports indicate that the Israeli military’s objective in securing this territory was to combat the illegal arms smuggling perpetrated by Hamas, a designated terrorist organization.

In early 2025, during a temporary ceasefire, there was a previously conducted evacuation of medical patients along the same route, according to The Associated Press. This highlights the complexity of border operations amidst ongoing conflict.

Prime Minister’s Statement

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office expressed it had agreed to this limited reopening of the Rafah Crossing as part of a broader peace initiative. This agreement aligns with what was previously outlined in President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan.

Netanyahu’s office noted that the reopening would strictly be for pedestrian passage and would require comprehensive inspections conducted by Israeli authorities to assure security measures are upheld.

Conditions for Reopening

As articulated by the Prime Minister’s Office, the reopening hinges on the successful return of all living hostages as well as what they described as a “100 percent effort” to locate and return the remains of all deceased hostages.

Israeli officials confirmed on Monday that the remains of Staff Sgt. Ran Gvili, the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza, have been recovered and returned to Israel after 842 days in captivity.

A New Chapter Ahead

The reopening of the Rafah border crossing not only signifies a potential shift in Palestinian-Israeli relations but also lays the groundwork for future dialogues regarding humanitarian access and mobility. Moving forward, the implications of this reopening will be closely monitored by regional experts and stakeholders.

This moment may serve as a stepping stone toward addressing the pressing needs of those residing in Gaza and working towards a sustainable solution that benefits both communities.

Fox News Digital’s Rachel Wolf and Ashley Carnahan contributed to this report.