Gaza Herald – The Israeli military announced Sunday that the Rafah crossing in southern Gaza will partially reopen in both directions starting Wednesday, allowing limited movement of individuals only.
In a statement, the army said the decision followed a security assessment and a review of conditions permitting the crossing’s limited operation, while maintaining strict restrictions due to what it described as ongoing security threats in the area.
According to the announcement, the crossing will operate under the same mechanism that was in place before its closure. Entry and exit of travelers will be coordinated with Egypt, subject to prior Israeli security approval, and monitored by the European Union Border Assistance Mission at Rafah.
The arrangements will also include additional screening and verification procedures at a checkpoint located in an area controlled by Israeli forces as part of the adopted security measures.
The Israeli Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories had ordered the closure of Gaza’s crossings, including Kerem Abu Salem and Rafah, on February 28, coinciding with the start of the US-Israeli war against Iran.
The closures halted the entry of humanitarian and medical aid into Gaza and disrupted travel, preventing patients and wounded individuals awaiting medical evacuation from leaving the enclave amid worsening humanitarian conditions and severe shortages of essential supplies.
Israeli authorities had previously allowed a partial reopening of the Rafah crossing in early February 2026, permitting a limited number of Palestinian patients and wounded individuals to leave the Gaza Strip and allowing others to return under Israeli conditions and security approvals, as part of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement that took effect in October 2025.
Rafah is the only land crossing linking Gaza to the outside world without passing through Israel. The area has remained under Israeli military control since May 2024, with the crossing opening only intermittently during early 2025.
