Davos: Gaza’s border crossing with Egypt will reopen next week, Palestinian official Ali Shaath announced. The crossing had been largely closed during the Israel-Hamas war. Shaath made the announcement via video at a Davos event hosted by US President Donald Trump.
The reopening is a key element of the ceasefire brokered by Trump in October. Shaath said the Rafah crossing is “more than a gate; it is a lifeline and symbol of opportunity” for Palestinians. He added that the move signals Gaza is no longer closed to the future or to conflict.
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Trump expressed support for a transitional Palestinian panel to administer Gaza, emphasizing that the ceasefire and reopening of Rafah are vital for stability and development in the enclave.
Israel, which has controlled the Rafah crossing since 2024, has not commented on the announcement. The ceasefire leaves Israel in control of over half of Gaza, including areas near the crossing, while Hamas controls the remainder.
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The reopening is expected to allow the entry and exit of Palestinians, improving humanitarian access and trade. Observers say it could mark an important step toward long-term stability in Gaza under the Board of Peace initiative.