Overview
- Israeli outlets Channel 12 and Kan 11 report that Israel plans to reopen Rafah to entry and exit shortly after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returns from Washington.
- A U.S. official says the administration expects the crossing to resume two-way traffic in the coming days following meetings between Trump and Netanyahu.
- The move would reverse Israel’s December stance limiting Rafah to departures only, which had stalled implementation of the October ceasefire provisions.
- Neither the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office nor Egyptian authorities have confirmed a timeline, according to the reports.
- Egypt previously rejected an exit-only arrangement announced by COGAT, and the crossing’s prolonged closure since Israel seized its Palestinian side in May 2024 has deepened humanitarian strain.