Rafah border crossing reopens in test as limited travel is set to resume

Israeli authorities said the Rafah crossing with Egypt opened in a test and preparations are under way for limited travel, with EU agents to supervise entry and exit and Israeli and Egyptian vetting in place.

Rafah border crossing with Egypt saw activity Sunday as Israeli officials announced a test opening and preparations for limited travel after years of near-isolation. COGAT, the Israeli military agency that controls aid to Gaza, said the crossing was being prepared for fuller operation. Palestinian security officers passed through the Egyptian gate to join a European Union mission that will supervise exits and entries. The crossing has been largely shut since Israeli forces seized and closed it in May 2024. Key details: - Israel announced a test opening and said the crossing is being prepared for fuller operation. - Palestinian security officers moved through the Egyptian gate to join an EU mission supervising border movement. - Ambulances and trucks carrying humanitarian aid entered the Egyptian gate for inspection before entering Gaza. - Initial movement will be limited and commercial goods will not be allowed to cross at first. - Israel said it would permit 50 patients to leave per day, each with up to two relatives, and allow about 50 people to return daily. - The move occurs as the U.S.-brokered ceasefire moves into its second phase, which includes a new Palestinian administrative committee and international security arrangements. Summary: The test opening is a procedural step aimed at allowing limited movement for medical evacuations and selected travel while exit and entry procedures are supervised by EU agents and vetted by Israel and Egypt. Travel was reported to be due to begin Monday, and officials said the number of travellers could increase over time if the system functions as intended.