Rafah Border Crossing Reopens Amid Israeli-Hamas Ceasefire

Limited Passage Amid Ceasefire Talks

On the first day of reopening, only 50 Palestinians will cross from Gaza into Egypt and 50 will return, according to an Egyptian official involved in ceasefire implementation talks.

No goods will pass through the crossing at this stage, underscoring the symbolic nature of this reopening.

Security and Control: The Rafah Crossing’s Fraught History

Israel seized control of the Rafah crossing in May 2024, citing efforts to stop arms smuggling to Hamas. The crossing was briefly opened during a ceasefire in early 2025 to evacuate medical patients but remained largely closed otherwise. Israeli resistance to reopening reflected broader security calculations. However, the recent recovery of the remains of the last hostage held in Gaza cleared political and diplomatic hurdles, paving the way for this reopening.

PBefore the war, Rafah was Gaza’s main gateway to the outside world, especially to Egypt. The enclave’s other crossings all connect to Israel and remain under heavy Israeli military control. Israel’s military controls the area between the Rafah crossing and most of Gaza’s population, leading to Egyptian demands that the crossing remain open to allow Palestinians to enter and exit freely. Historically, both Israel and Egypt have vetted Palestinians seeking to cross, underscoring the complex control regime governing Gaza’s borders.

The Ceasefire’s Unfinished Business: What Comes Next

The Rafah reopening marks the transition to the second phase of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement effective since October 10, 2025. The first phase focused on exchanging hostages, increasing humanitarian aid, and partial Israeli troop withdrawals.

The second phase, however, brings more difficult challenges.

Conclusion

The reopening of the Rafah border crossing represents a small but significant step in the ongoing Israeli-Hamas ceasefire. While it currently offers limited relief to the devastated population of Gaza, the move underscores the deep challenges ahead in securing durable peace and rebuilding.

The American Democracy Project remains skeptical but watchful, knowing that effective governance and security arrangements must replace chaos and mistrust if this fragile ceasefire is to hold.

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Rafah Border Crossing Reopens Amid Israeli-Hamas Ceasefire