"COGAT, the Israeli military body in charge of coordinating aid to Gaza, said in a statement that starting on Sunday a "limited movement of people only" would be allowed through the Rafah crossing, Gaza's main gateway to the outside world. The announcement followed statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ali Shaath, newly appointed to head the Palestinian administrative committee governing Gaza's daily affairs, that it would likely open soon."
"The crossing has been under a near complete closure since Israel seized it in May 2024, saying the step was part of a strategy to halt cross-border arms smuggling by Hamas. It was briefly opened for the evacuation of medical patients during a short-lived ceasefire in early 2025. Israel had resisted reopening the crossing, but the recovery of the remains of the last hostage in Gaza on Monday cleared the way to move forward."
The Rafah pedestrian crossing between Gaza and Egypt will reopen for limited movement of people starting Sunday. Both Israel and Egypt will vet individuals for exit and entry through the crossing, and European Union border patrol agents will supervise operations. Palestinians leaving and returning will face additional screenings by Israel in an adjacent corridor that remains under Israeli military control. The crossing was nearly completely closed since May 2024 to prevent alleged cross-border arms smuggling and was briefly opened for medical evacuations during an early 2025 ceasefire. The reopening followed recovery of the last hostage's remains and statements by Israeli and Palestinian officials, though operational details and a trial day remain unclear. Thousands seek to leave Gaza while many who fled want to return.
Read at ABC7 Los Angeles
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