The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt began a trial phase on Sunday, marking a step toward its planned reopening that will allow a limited number of Palestinians to leave the war-stricken enclave, completing the first stage of the US-brokered ceasefire plan.
The vital crossing, largely closed since Israel took control in May 2024, has undergone extensive preparations involving the European Union, Egypt, and other stakeholders responsible for its management, according to Israel’s Coordinator for Government Activities in the Territories.
COGAT emphasized that the crossing will permit only the “limited passage of residents only,” without specifying when Palestinians will actually be allowed through.
Meanwhile, Ali Shaath, head of the Palestinian technocratic committee managing Gaza, wrote on social media that the crossing is set to open in both directions on Monday.
Reflecting on the upcoming opening in mid-January, Shaath said it “signals Gaza is no longer closed to the future and to the world.”
Yet the limited capacity and operational restrictions, far below the crossing’s previous level, which handled truckloads of humanitarian aid daily, highlight that full reopening remains distant.
An Israeli security official told CNN that 150 Palestinians will be allowed to leave Gaza each day, with only 50 permitted to enter.
However, the crossing’s steep costs, some Palestinians report paying thousands of dollars and lengthy bureaucratic and security procedures mean that only a small number can realistically travel.
The Rafah crossing’s reopening was part of the initial phase of the US-brokered ceasefire agreement that came into effect in mid-October. Israel had previously refused to allow its operation until all hostages, living and deceased, were returned.
The last deceased hostage, Ran Givili, was handed back to Israel last week.
With Givili’s return and the reopening of Rafah, the first phase of the 20-point ceasefire agreement is now complete.
The US announced two weeks ago the launch of the agreement’s second phase when President Donald Trump formally introduced his Board of Peace in Davos.
