Israel has confirmed that the Rafah Crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt will reopen for pedestrian traffic in both directions starting Sunday, marking a significant operational step under the current ceasefire arrangement and restoring a controlled civilian transit channel that has remained largely closed during the war.
Rafah Crossing Reopening Details Under Israel–Egypt Coordination and EU Monitoring
According to an official announcement issued Friday by Israel’s Defense Ministry, the reopening of the Rafah Crossing will take place in full coordination with Egypt and under the supervision of a European Union monitoring mission, replicating the mechanism previously used in January 2025. The ministry’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories stated that both exit from and entry into Gaza through Rafah would be permitted only after prior Israeli security clearance of individuals. The statement clarified that Gazans returning from Egypt would be limited to residents who left the Strip during the course of the war and would also be subject to advance security approval. In addition to identification and screening conducted at the crossing by EU monitors, a secondary screening and identification process will occur at a designated corridor operated by Israel’s defense establishment in an area under Israel Defense Forces control. COGAT data indicated that approximately 42,000 Gazans left the territory during the war, most of whom were medical patients seeking treatment abroad or individuals holding dual citizenship. The arrangement reflects an effort to balance civilian movement with security oversight while maintaining coordination among Israel, Egypt, the European Union, and the Palestinian Authority.
Security Screening Procedures and Oversight at the Gaza–Egypt Border
Reporting by The Times of Israel this week indicated that all Gazans seeking to cross the Rafah border will require Egyptian approval, with Egypt transmitting names to Israel’s Shin Bet domestic security service for individual review. Israeli officials explained that the screening process would examine each case separately. A joint team of Palestinian Authority representatives and European Union monitors stationed at Rafah will conduct security checks for those leaving Gaza. Israel will supervise outbound crossings remotely from a control room, where officers will use facial recognition technology to verify approved travelers before authorizing passage. Entry into Gaza from Egypt will include an additional Israeli security screening at an IDF checkpoint beyond the crossing. The Defense Ministry confirmed that Rafah will not be used for humanitarian aid or commercial goods, which will continue to pass through other crossings subject to Israeli inspection.