Rafah Crossing Reopens for Limited Travel

Gaza's Rafah border crossing with Egypt is set to resume limited travel on Monday, February 2, 2026, marking a significant step towards alleviating the territory's prolonged isolation. This development follows a pilot phase for systems checks conducted on Sunday, February 1, 2026, as reported by The Times of Israel.

The reopening is a crucial element of the US-brokered Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement, which commenced on October 10, 2025, and is now transitioning into its second phase, according to wunc. The crossing has been largely shut since Israeli forces seized it in May 2024, citing efforts to prevent Hamas arms smuggling.

Preparations are actively underway for a fuller operation of the crossing, which will be supervised by a European Union Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM Rafah), as confirmed by Israel's Coordinator for Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT). This mission will coordinate closely with both Egyptian and Israeli authorities.

Initially, the reopening will permit only a limited number of Palestinians to cross, primarily those requiring urgent medical treatment abroad and residents seeking to return home, an Israeli defense official told The Guardian. An Israeli security official further clarified to CNN that approximately 150 Palestinians will be allowed to leave daily, while 50 will be permitted to enter.

Israel had previously resisted reopening the Rafah crossing, but the recovery of the remains of the last hostage in Gaza last week paved the way for this agreement, according to AP News. Ali Shaath, head of the new Palestinian technocratic committee, stated on social media that the crossing would open in both directions on Monday.

The prolonged closure since May 2024 has severely impacted Gaza, hindering access to essential medical care for thousands and disrupting vital aid and commercial flows, as noted by The New Arab in January 2026. Many Gazans view the crossing as their primary gateway to the outside world.

• Background and Historical Significance: The Rafah Border Crossing serves as Gaza's sole direct link to a country other than Israel, making it a critical lifeline for the Palestinian population. Historically, its management has been a complex interplay between Israeli, Egyptian, and Palestinian authorities, often subject to political and security considerations, as detailed by Middle East Eye in November 2023. The crossing's operational status has frequently reflected the broader geopolitical dynamics of the region.

• Ceasefire Agreement and Phases: The current reopening is a direct outcome of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which officially began on October 10, 2025. This agreement, outlined by American University in January 2025, is structured in three phases, with the Rafah reopening marking a key component of the transition into the second phase. The first phase focused on hostage exchanges and increased humanitarian aid.

• Role of the European Union Mission: The European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM Rafah) is a civilian mission established in November 2005 to support border management and build trust between parties, according to the European External Action Service. Its involvement in supervising the current reopening aims to ensure coordinated and effective operation, as COGAT confirmed.

• Humanitarian Implications: The nearly two-year closure of the Rafah crossing has had devastating humanitarian consequences for Gaza's residents. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that approximately 20,000 patients are awaiting permission to leave Gaza for medical treatment abroad, highlighting the urgent need for consistent access, according to The Hindu on February 1, 2026. The limited initial capacity will address only a fraction of this need.

• Challenges and Ceasefire Violations: Despite the ceasefire agreement, its implementation has faced significant challenges. Al Jazeera reported on November 11, 2025, that Israel had violated the ceasefire at least 1,450 times between October 10, 2025, and January 31, 2026, through various military actions. Such incidents underscore the fragile nature of the truce and the complexities involved in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

• Future Outlook and Concerns: While the reopening offers a glimmer of hope, concerns remain regarding the long-term functionality and potential restrictions. Political analyst Ahed Ferwana emphasized to The New Arab in January 2026 that strict administrative and security measures could render the crossing more symbolic than truly functional, potentially perpetuating the crisis in another form. The full scope of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, including the demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza, is yet to be fully realized.