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Israel plans to limit Palestinians entering Gaza through the Rafah Border Crossing with Egypt. Officials want more people leaving than entering, according to sources familiar with the plan.
Ali Shaath, head of a US-backed transitional Palestinian committee, said the Rafah Crossing – the main route for over two million residents – will open next week.
Context of the Border Opening
The crossing was scheduled to open during the first phase of Trump’s plan to end the conflict, after an October ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Under the plan’s second phase, Israel will pull back some troops from Gaza. Meanwhile, Hamas will yield administrative control.
Since 2024, Israel has controlled the Gaza side of the crossing. Officials want exits to happen without forcing people to leave permanently. Palestinians remain cautious about returning restrictions.
Security Measures and Checkpoints
The Rafah Crossing will be run by Palestinians from the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority and monitored by EU personnel, as it was during earlier ceasefires.
Israel also plans a military checkpoint inside Gaza near the border. All Palestinians passing through will face security checks. Exact rules for entry and the ratio of exits to entries are not clear.
The border opening also depends on returning an Israeli police officer’s remains held by Hamas, a key condition of the ceasefire’s first phase.
International Response
US officials are reportedly leading the rollout of the plan. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office and US Embassy in Israel have not commented publicly on the details.
The situation is evolving as Gaza residents prepare to use the crossing. Israel continues to enforce security rules and monitor all entries and exits.
