The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt is preparing to resume limited travel after being nearly closed for years. Israel announced a test opening of the crossing on Sunday and stated that full operations would begin once preparations are complete. The head of Gaza’s new Palestinian administrative committee confirmed that travel in both directions is expected to start on Monday.
Since the outbreak of the recent conflict, almost all movement in and out of Gaza has been restricted, contributing to the territory’s isolation. The reopening of Rafah marks a significant development in easing these restrictions.
**Why this matters**
The reopening of the Rafah crossing is a critical step in restoring access for Gaza residents to the outside world. It facilitates humanitarian aid, medical travel, and family reunifications, which have been severely limited during the conflict. This move also aligns with ongoing efforts to maintain the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Source: NewsData