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Israel Begins Pilot Reopening of Rafah Crossing Under Strict Screening

The move is a first-step deliverable in the U.S.-brokered ceasefire, operated under Israeli screening with EU and Egyptian oversight.

Overview

  • Israeli authorities ran a trial on Sunday and said pedestrian movement in both directions would start Monday under preapproved name lists.
  • Initial flows are tightly capped at roughly 150 departures per day and about 50 returns, prioritizing medical evacuations with patients allowed two relatives.
  • Israel completed a new Regavim inspection facility for identity and baggage checks, and EU monitors will supervise operations coordinated with Egypt.
  • The reopening is limited to people only and excludes goods, leaving large unmet needs as about 20,000 patients and tens of thousands seeking to return remain in limbo.
  • Israel announced Doctors Without Borders must cease Gaza operations by Feb. 28 as Israeli strikes over the weekend killed at least 30 people, highlighting the ceasefire’s fragility.