GAZA CITY/ISRAEL: Israel reopened the Rafah border crossing with Egypt on Monday, allowing Palestinians to leave Gaza on foot or return after fleeing the enclave during the conflict, officials said. The reopening, however, will be limited, with Israel and Egypt imposing security checks and caps on the number of travellers.
Read More: Gaza’s Rafah border with Egypt to reopen next week
The Rafah crossing, seized by Israel in May 2024 during the Gaza war, had been a key exit point for Palestinians seeking refuge or medical care. Palestinian officials estimate that around 100,000 people fled Gaza in the first nine months of the war, mostly through Rafah. Israel’s closure of the crossing and the adjacent Philadelphi corridor had cut off many residents from urgent medical treatment abroad.
Israel reopens the Rafah border between Gaza and Egypt after nearly two years on a trial basis to test security screening as thousands of sick and wounded Palestinians seek urgent medical care abroad.
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Israel reopened the border between Gaza and Egypt on Monday, Feb. 2, for people on foot, a move that would allow Palestinians to leave the enclave and let back in those who want to return after fleeing Israel’s war in the enclave. https://t.co/e3ulP9xTHe
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An Israeli security official confirmed that European monitoring teams had arrived at the crossing and that it is now open for both entry and exit of residents. Despite the reopening, Israel continues to bar foreign journalists from entering Gaza, citing security risks to soldiers, a move challenged by the Foreign Press Association, which has petitioned Israel’s Supreme Court.
Trump’s broader plan for Gaza, now in its second phase, calls for Palestinian technocrats to assume governance, the disarmament of Hamas, and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops to facilitate reconstruction. However, Israel has expressed skepticism over Hamas disarming, with some officials warning of potential renewed hostilities.
The fragile ceasefire, brokered in October 2025 by former US President Donald Trump, has already been strained. Over the weekend, Israel launched some of its most intense air strikes since the ceasefire, killing at least 30 people in response to what it described as Hamas violations of the truce.
Read More: Israel to reopen Rafah crossing for Gaza pedestrians
Gaza’s roughly two million residents continue to live amid widespread destruction, with many in makeshift tents and damaged homes, underscoring the humanitarian urgency as border access is partially restored.