Overview
- Ali Shaath, head of the U.S.-backed Gaza technocratic committee, said at a Davos event hosted by President Donald Trump that the Rafah crossing will open next week in both directions.
- Israel says its Cabinet will take up the issue early next week and has tied decisions on Rafah to efforts to recover the remains of the last Israeli hostage, Ran Gvili.
- Three sources told Reuters that Israel seeks to limit entries so more Palestinians leave than return and to install a military checkpoint inside Gaza, with operations expected to involve PA-affiliated staff and EU monitors.
- Egypt has not issued a public confirmation, as Nickolay Mladenov said logistics for reopening are being coordinated and that efforts continue on the remaining hostage case.
- Israeli media report Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will visit Israel to press Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on opening Rafah, a key ceasefire commitment seen as critical for increasing aid flows and limited civilian movement.