Israel to reopen Gaza’s Rafah crossing Sunday for limited passenger movement

Israel announced on Friday that it will reopen the Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt this Sunday, February 1, permitting limited two-way movement of people for the first time since its closure two years ago. The Israeli military stated the move is part of the implementation of the ongoing ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

In a statement, the army said the crossing will open “in both directions for limited movement of people only,” adding that all exits and entries will be coordinated with Egypt and require prior Israeli security clearance. The process will be overseen by a European Union monitoring mission. The reopening is also expected to allow the return of residents who left Gaza during the war, subject to the same coordination and approval procedures.

There was no immediate comment from Palestinian or Egyptian authorities regarding the announcement. The Rafah crossing has been a critical but tightly controlled passage for people and limited humanitarian goods, and its reopening marks a tangible step under the fragile ceasefire that halted Israel’s two-year military offensive in Gaza.