Israel will reopen the Rafah Crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt for pedestrian traffic in both directions at the start of next week, in accordance with the current ceasefire agreement, the Defense Ministry announced Friday.
New Border Protocols
The reopening will allow for the passage of individuals between Gaza and Egypt, but will be heavily regulated. Exit from and entry into Gaza via Rafah will require prior security clearance from Israel and will be overseen by the European Union mission, mirroring a process used in January 2025, according to a statement from the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT).
Specifically, the return of Gazan residents from Egypt will be limited to those who left the Strip during the course of the recent conflict, and will also require Israeli security clearance. COGAT stated that individuals will undergo initial screening by the EU mission at the Rafah Crossing, followed by an additional screening process conducted by the Israeli defense establishment in a designated, IDF-controlled area.
All Gazan Palestinians intending to enter or leave the Strip will require approval from Egyptian authorities, who will then forward the names to Israel’s Shin Bet domestic security service for clearance, according to reporting this week by The Times of Israel.
Israeli officials have indicated that each name will be individually reviewed, with any identified terror commanders being denied passage.
Ongoing Security Concerns
While the Rafah Crossing will facilitate pedestrian movement, it will not be used for the transfer of goods or aid, which will continue to be screened at other crossings for contraband, particularly weapons. Israeli security officials point to past instances where Hamas utilized the Rafah Crossing to import weapons and supplies without oversight, prior to the current conflict.
The Israeli defense establishment is also considering a plan for a tri-border crossing involving Israel, Egypt, and Gaza, potentially located at the existing Kerem Shalom Crossing.
Currently, approximately 600 trucks carrying aid and goods enter Gaza daily under the ceasefire. However, Israeli security officials believe this volume exceeds the actual needs of the population and that Hamas is exploiting the influx for its own purposes. While preventing Hamas from diverting aid is proving difficult, officials suggest that reducing the number of trucks to align with assessed needs could improve monitoring efforts.
Security officials also anticipate an increase in attempts to smuggle contraband into Gaza via aid trucks, though so far, efforts have primarily focused on cigarettes and prohibited agricultural products. There have been no reported attempts to smuggle weapons via aid shipments.
Recent Clashes During Ceasefire
Despite the ceasefire implemented in October, the IDF reported four separate incidents on Friday resulting in the deaths of Hamas operatives. In one instance, troops killed an operative who crossed the “Yellow Line” – demarcating the military’s withdrawal – and approached Israeli forces in a threatening manner. Similar incidents have occurred on a near-daily basis since the ceasefire began, though Palestinian reports also allege civilian casualties.
The IDF also confirmed airstrikes targeting Hamas operatives in the Maghazi camp and eastern Rafah, claiming the targeted individuals were planning attacks against Israeli troops. One operative was reportedly captured with the assistance of the anti-Hamas Abu Shabab militia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the European Union in the reopening of the Rafah Crossing?
The European Union mission will be responsible for initial identification and screening of individuals at the Rafah Crossing for those leaving the Gaza Strip.
Will aid and goods be allowed to pass through the Rafah Crossing?
No, there are currently no plans to allow aid and goods to pass through the Rafah Crossing. These will continue to be screened at other crossings.
What security measures will be in place for Palestinians entering Gaza from Egypt?
Palestinians entering Gaza from Egypt will first pass through the Rafah Crossing and then be subject to an Israeli security screening at an IDF checkpoint before being allowed to proceed toward Hamas-controlled areas.
As the Rafah Crossing prepares to reopen, the complex security arrangements and ongoing military activity suggest that the fragile ceasefire will continue to be tested. What impact will these new border protocols have on the daily lives of Gazan residents?
