Rafah border crossing set to reopen this week under tight limits

Israel's prime minister says the Rafah crossing will reopen this week as part of the ceasefire's second phase, but officials say daily passage will be limited and no goods will move for now.

Israel's prime minister has announced the Rafah border crossing with Egypt will reopen soon as part of the second phase of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire plan. The crossing has been largely closed since Israel took control in May 2024. Officials say the reopening will allow some Palestinians to travel for medical care and permit some returns, but it will start under strict controls. Aid groups and U.N. officials say humanitarian access and cargo remain key concerns. Key developments: - Benjamin Netanyahu announced the crossing will reopen soon as the ceasefire moves into phase two. - Officials reported the reopening will allow only a limited number of people each day and that no goods will cross for now. - Sources gave conflicting daily figures: one said 50 in and 50 out, another said 50 in and 150 out. - Preparations prioritize medical evacuations; Gaza health officials say about 20,000 people need treatment outside Gaza. - Egypt will provide daily name lists for vetting, Israel's COGAT will coordinate buses to the crossing, and EU Border Assistance and Palestinian Authority officers will operate the crossing. Summary: Officials report the Rafah crossing may reopen in the coming days, with tight controls on who may enter or exit and no immediate flow of goods. The exact start date remains undetermined, with some who follow planning discussions saying it could be as early as Thursday.