Israel Announces Limited Reopening of Rafah Crossing to Gaza

The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) announced that Israel will reopen the Rafah crossing on Feb. 1 for limited movement of people only, subject to Israeli security clearance and European Union border supervision.

The reopening follows the recovery of the remains of the last Israeli hostage and advances the second phase of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire, which includes demilitarization and establishing a Palestinian administrative committee, according to officials.

An Israeli official speaking on condition of anonymity said dozens of Palestinians will be allowed each way initially, prioritizing medical evacuees, while the Gaza Health Ministry says roughly 20,000 sick and wounded need treatment outside Gaza.

Hamas urged Israel to open Rafah fully, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said reconstruction in Gaza will not proceed without disarming Hamas, a stance that marks the arrangement as contested by the parties.

Humanitarian groups and the U.N. seek cargo access through Rafah, but officials said trucks and goods will not move initially, and many details about daily caps and long-term oversight remain unresolved.