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On Sunday, Israel and Egypt conducted a trial reopening of the Rafah Crossing, which links Egypt to Gaza.
The Coordinator for Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), which manages humanitarian and civilian initiatives in Gaza, announced that the crossing would be accessible to the public from Monday morning. However, access will be limited, with only around 150 individuals permitted to cross daily.
Those traveling to the crossing will be transported by bus in organized groups, with each participant undergoing clearance by Israeli intelligence services.
Security for the crossing operations will be ensured by Israeli forces in collaboration with Egypt, and the process will be overseen by a European Union mission.
The Rafah Crossing was opened for a preliminary operation on Sunday following coordination efforts between Israel and Egypt. (COGAT)
Return from Egypt for Gaza residents will only be allowed for those who left Gaza during the course of the war, and only after prior security clearance by Israel.
“The Rafah crossing has reopened for the movement of people only. Today, a pilot is underway to test and assess the operation of the crossing,” COGAT said in a statement.
“The movement of residents in both directions, entry and exit to and from Gaza, is expected to begin tomorrow,” the statement continued.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the crossing is opening under President Trump’s peace plan. (Haim Zach/GPO)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said last week that Israel agreed to the “limited reopening” of the crossing under President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan.
“As part of President Trump’s 20-point plan, Israel has agreed to a limited reopening of the Rafah Crossing for pedestrian passage only, subject to a full Israeli inspection mechanism,” the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel wrote.
The Prime Minister’s Office said the reopening was contingent on the return of all living hostages and what it described as a “100 percent effort” by Hamas to locate and return the remains of all deceased hostages.
The body of Ran Gvili, the last hostage held in Gaza, was brought home for burial on Jan. 26, 2026. (The Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters)
The remains of the final Israeli hostage, Staff Sgt. Ran Gvili, were found by Israel and returned last week.