Israel to Reopen Rafah Crossing for Gaza Pedestrians

Israel said on Monday it would allow only pedestrian movement through the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt under a restricted reopening, contingent on the recovery of the remains of the last Israeli hostage held in the territory.

The reopening of Rafah, a critical gateway for humanitarian aid,  is part of a truce framework announced by US President Donald Trump in October. However, the crossing has remained shut since Israeli forces seized control of it during the Gaza war.

According to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, the crossing will reopen solely for pedestrian passage and will operate under a comprehensive Israeli inspection system. The decision, it said, depends on the return of all remaining hostages, living and deceased, and Hamas’s full cooperation in locating bodies.

The Israeli military confirmed it is searching a cemetery in Gaza for the remains of Ran Gvili, the last hostage yet to be recovered. Netanyahu’s office said Rafah would reopen once the operation is completed, in line with understandings reached with Washington.

It remains uncertain whether the limited reopening will allow medical evacuations or enable patients to travel to Egypt or other countries for treatment.

The announcement followed reports that US envoys had pressed Israeli officials during talks in Jerusalem over the weekend to ease restrictions at the crossing.

International leaders and aid agencies have repeatedly called for increased access to Gaza, where years of conflict have left the population heavily dependent on humanitarian assistance.

Earlier, Gaza’s newly appointed administrator, Ali Shaath, had said the crossing was expected to reopen in both directions this week, describing Rafah as a lifeline for residents seeking access to the outside world.

Several Gaza residents have expressed disappointment at Israel’s decision to allow only limited movement. Some said the restriction ignored the scale of humanitarian and medical needs, where many families remain separated, and access to healthcare is severely constrained.