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RAFAH, Palestinian Territories — Israeli authorities partially reopen the Rafah crossing on Sunday, allowing restricted movement of people between the Gaza Strip and Egypt after months of closure urged open by aid groups.
The step comes amid continued violence despite a truce, with Gaza’s civil defense reporting dozens killed in Israeli strikes a day earlier. Israel’s military says it responds to ceasefire breaches as fighting simmers.
Rafah, a critical exit for civilians and aid, shuts in May 2024 after Israeli forces seize the area during the war with Hamas, reopening only briefly earlier this year. On Sunday, Israel’s coordination agency COGAT says passage is limited to residents.
Health officials in Gaza say roughly 200 patients await permission to travel for treatment. Separately, about 40 Palestinian Authority-linked staff reach the Egyptian side to prepare for work inside Gaza, according to a Palestinian official.
Israel ties the reopening to the recovery and burial of the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza, a condition now met. COGAT says movement will proceed with Egyptian coordination, Israeli security screening, and oversight by the European Union mission.
Officials describe the move as a pilot, with preparations underway for broader operations. Sources at the crossing say a wider reopening is planned Monday, though numbers remain undecided and Egypt will accept those Israel clears.
For Gaza residents, the wait feels urgent. Patients needing dialysis and students holding overseas scholarships say their futures hinge on Rafah, the only gateway not controlled by Israel, reopening fully.
The crossing sits in a zone held by Israeli forces after a pullback under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that takes effect Oct. 10. Israel controls more than half of Gaza, while the remainder stays under Hamas authority.
The reopening is expected to ease the arrival of a new technocratic body set to manage daily affairs for Gaza’s 2.2 million people under the truce framework. The committee, overseen by a U.S.-led board chaired by President Donald Trump, is not expected to enter the territory on Sunday, a member says.