Story perspectives

Rafah Crossing Reopens: Limited Return for Gaza Residents

1/30/2026

Summary

Rafah Crossing Reopens

The Rafah border crossing reopens February 1, allowing limited movement after nearly two years of closure.
Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) announced that only residents who left Gaza during the war may return, pending security clearance.
Israel and Egypt will screen individuals, with European Union agents overseeing the process, as part of U.S. President Donald Trump's Gaza ceasefire plan following the recovery of the last Israeli hostage.

Summary

Rafah Crossing Delayed

The Rafah border crossing reopening with Egypt has been postponed to early next week due to security measures requested by Israel.
The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza said additional checkpoints and surveillance equipment have been installed, delaying the Wednesday reopening.
Nikolay Mladenov met Gaza officials to discuss concerns about Israel's movement and aid restrictions.
The committee emphasized these delays could hinder Gaza relief and recovery efforts.

History

Historical Context

The Rafah border crossing, pivotal for Gaza's access to Egypt, has faced intermittent closures since Israel's 2005 disengagement from Gaza. Following Hamas's 2007 takeover, Egypt and Israel imposed strict controls, limiting movement. The crossing reopened in 2018, allowing limited Gazan passage, but ongoing security concerns have repeatedly delayed its operation, complicating humanitarian efforts and highlighting the region's enduring instability.

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Rafah Crossing Reopens

The Rafah border crossing reopens February 1, allowing limited movement after nearly two years of closure.
Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) announced that only residents who left Gaza during the war may return, pending security clearance.
Israel and Egypt will screen individuals, with European Union agents overseeing the process, as part of U.S. President Donald Trump's Gaza ceasefire plan following the recovery of the last Israeli hostage.

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