Opening of Rafah Crossing on a Trial Basis After a Year and a Half of Near Complete Closure

SadaNews: The Rafah border crossing is set to open today, Sunday, after more than a year and a half of near complete closure, but it will be a trial operation.

Media sources reported that the operational protocol for the crossing has not yet been delivered, while discussions continue between mediators and the Israeli army regarding the arrangements and procedures related to the working mechanism.

In this context, the French news agency cited three sources confirming that the Rafah crossing will open on Sunday on a limited basis for transporting the injured, and it will open regularly for passenger movement starting from tomorrow, Monday, with an average of 150 people exiting Gaza and 50 people entering daily.

Egyptian sources indicated that elements from the Palestinian security agencies arrived early in the morning in the city of al-Arish, in preparation for taking over the management of the crossing.

The Israeli Broadcasting Authority confirmed that Israel will allow the entry of members of the technocrat committee into the Gaza Strip in the coming days through the Rafah crossing, in a step described as a "gesture of goodwill" towards the American administration.

The Rafah crossing with Egypt is the only land outlet for the Gaza Strip without passing through Israel, but it has remained closed since Israeli forces seized it in May 2024. It was partially reopened briefly at the beginning of 2025.

Following the ceasefire, Israel conditioned the reopening of the crossing on the retrieval of all hostages in Gaza, which was achieved earlier this week with the return of the last hostage's body. Washington announced the transition to the second phase of the agreement mediated by Egypt and Qatar.