Egypt to Officially Reopen Rafah Crossing with Gaza Early Next Week

Egypt to Officially Reopen Rafah Crossing with Gaza Early Next Week
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Senior official sources said the Rafah land crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip is set to reopen in stages, with a preliminary opening scheduled for Wednesday to prepare the facility for the movement of people in both directions.

The crossing is expected to officially resume passenger traffic at the start of next week after remaining logistical issues are resolved, including access arrangements on the Palestinian side and finalized lists of departing and returning travelers.

The sources dismissed reports that the crossing would open on Monday evening, citing unfinished logistical preparations. They confirmed that dozens of Palestinian Authority employees are currently in Egypt’s city of Arish to assume their duties at the crossing. The first group expected to return to Gaza will include wounded Palestinians who received medical treatment in Egypt and their families, estimated at around 150 families. Returns will take place through coordinated group trips following prior registration announced by the Palestinian Embassy in Cairo.

No official Israeli comment has been issued on the reopening. Previously, Israeli authorities had linked reopening the crossing to the recovery of the body of the last Israeli captive in Gaza. The crossing had been scheduled to reopen in October under the first phase of a ceasefire agreement that took effect on October 10.

Earlier this week, Ali Shaath, head of Gaza’s National Committee for Administration, announced that Rafah would reopen next week. Separately, the European Commission said it is ready to act immediately once the crossing opens, confirming that the EU Border Assistance Mission at Rafah remains on standby.