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Israel to Reopen Rafah Crossing for Limited Gaza-Egypt Movement

Israel will reopen the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt on March 18 for limited movement of people in both directions. The crossing will operate under strict security conditions as stated by Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories. It had been closed at the start of the war with Iran, having previously reopened briefly in February for medical evacuations. The Rafah crossing is a critical conduit for humanitarian aid into Gaza and for the evacuation of critically ill patients.

Key Points: Israel Reopens Rafah Crossing for Limited Gaza Movement

  • Rafah crossing reopening March 18
  • Strict security conditions apply
  • Closed since start of war with Iran
  • Critical for aid and medical evacuations
  • Kerem Shalom crossing already open for aid
2 min read

Israel says Gaza's Rafah crossing to reopen for limited movement of people

Israel announces Rafah border crossing will reopen March 18 for limited movement of people under strict security conditions, per CNN and Al Jazeera.

"for limited movement of people only - COGAT via Al Jazeera"

Tel Aviv, March 16

Israel will reopen the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt for limited movement of people on March 18 after it was closed at the start of the war with Iran, according to CNN and Al Jazeera, citing Israeli authorities.

According to CNN, Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) said the crossing between Gaza and Egypt will reopen on Wednesday in both directions.

COGAT said the crossing would operate under strict conditions.

According to CNN, the COGAT said it would maintain "necessary security restrictions" for the passage of people.

The crossing had been closed at the start of the war with Iran after Israeli authorities ordered the closure of all crossings leading into Gaza. Before that, the Rafah border crossing had reopened at the beginning of February for a limited period to allow a small number of patients from Gaza to travel for urgent medical treatment and return to the enclave, the CNN reported.

CNN said it's unclear if the same number of Palestinians will be allowed to cross, or if it will be even fewer.

On March 2, COGAT announced that the Kerem Shalom crossing would reopen for the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, but Rafah remained closed, CNN reported.

Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported that Israeli authorities confirmed the reopening date and restrictions.

According to Al Jazeera, the Israeli government agency coordinating activities in the occupied Palestinian territories and Gaza said the crossing would reopen on March 18 (Wednesday).

The COGAT, according to Al Jazeera, said the crossing between Gaza and Egypt would reopen in both directions "for limited movement of people only".

According to Al Jazeera, Israel closed the crossing on March 1 after launching its joint war on Iran with the United States, citing security concerns. The crossing had reopened in February after remaining shut for several months.

The Rafah crossing is considered critical for the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza and for the evacuation of critically ill patients.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The constant opening and closing based on wider geopolitical conflicts shows how civilians are always caught in the middle. Those patients needing urgent treatment have been waiting for weeks. This decision should have been made sooner.
P
Priya S
It's a relief to hear this news. Every day the crossing is closed, lives are at risk. India has always stood for peaceful resolution and humanitarian access. I hope the international community ensures these openings are consistent and not used as a political tool. 🙏
R
Rohit P
"Limited movement" and "strict conditions" – the devil is in the details. How many people will actually get through? The article itself says it's unclear. This feels more like managing headlines than managing a genuine humanitarian corridor.
K
Karthik V
From an Indian perspective, we know the pain of conflict zones. Borders should be for connecting people, not just for security. While I respect Israel's security needs, a more permanent solution for aid and patient movement is needed. This on-again-off-again approach is unsustainable.
M
Michael C
The report mentions Kerem Shalom is open for aid, which is good. But Rafah is specifically for people. Keeping them separate might be a logistical choice, but it complicates things for families. Hope the coordination between different agencies is smooth.

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