Gaza border crossing buzzes with activity after years of near-complete closure : NPR

Gaza’s Rafah Border Crossing Reopens After Years of Isolation

Israel announced the reopening of the Rafah border crossing with Gaza as part of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement. Limited travel to and from the territory is set to resume after years of near-complete isolation.

The crossing was tested by Israel, and preparations are underway for fuller operation. Palestinian security officers and ambulances have already passed through the crossing, with more travelers expected once preparations are complete.

Rafah, seen as the gateway to the world for Palestinians, has been mostly closed since its seizure by Israel in 2024. The reopening will allow limited travel at first, with no goods allowed to cross initially.

Trucks carrying humanitarian aids line up to enter the Egyptian gate of the Rafah crossing, heading for inspection by Israeli authorities before entering the Gaza Strip, in Rafah, Egypt, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026. Mohammed Arafat/AP

Israel and Egypt will vet people for exit and entry through the crossing, supervised by European Union border patrol agents. The number of travelers is expected to increase gradually if the system proves successful.

The reopening of the Rafah crossing marks a significant step in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement, paving the way for the second phase of the truce which includes deploying an international security force and rebuilding efforts in Gaza.