Rafah Border Crossing: Critical Lifeline for Gaza Remains Closed Despite International Pressure

Rafah briefly reopened in January during a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Egypt:

The reopening of the Rafah border crossing connecting Gaza Strip and Egypt, which forms part of US President Donald Trump's plan for the Palestinian territory, continues to be delayed despite urgent appeals from the UN and humanitarian organizations.

Here are five essential aspects about this vital crossing:

Crucial Access Point

The Rafah crossing into Egypt serves as a critical entry point for humanitarian personnel and vehicles transporting aid, food, and fuel, which are essential for sustaining life in a region deprived of electricity.

Historically, this crossing represented the primary exit route for authorized Palestinians leaving Gaza, a narrow territory that has been under Israeli blockade since 2007.

Between 2005 and 2007, it functioned as the first Palestinian border terminal under Palestinian Authority control.

Subsequently, it evolved into a symbol of Hamas's governance over the Gaza Strip.

Under Israeli Control

On May 7, 2024, Israeli military forces assumed control of the Palestinian side, alleging that the crossing was being "utilized for terrorist activities," amid concerns regarding weapons smuggling.

Since then, access points have largely remained closed, including those utilized by the United Nations.

Rafah temporarily reopened during a brief ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that began on January 19, initially permitting passage for individuals authorized to exit Gaza, and subsequently allowing truck movements.

Reopening Soon?

Following the implementation of the Trump-brokered ceasefire, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar indicated plans for reopening, but the Israeli prime minister's office ultimately announced that the crossing would remain closed "until further notice."

According to COGAT, the Israeli defense ministry body overseeing civilian affairs in Palestinian territories, the crossing must open solely for "movement of people."

Trump's peace plan, which forms the foundation of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, stipulates that Gaza would regain access to international humanitarian assistance and that the Rafah crossing would reopen.

However, since the ceasefire took effect on October 10, Israeli authorities have delayed action, citing various reasons including Hamas's failure to return all hostage bodies, the need for coordination with Egypt, before conducting air strikes on Sunday in response to alleged Hamas violations.

Kerem Shalom

International aid typically arrives in Egypt through the ports of Port Said or El-Arish, the city nearest to Gaza Strip, where hundreds of humanitarian aid trucks await border crossing permission.

According to drivers' testimonies, after passing through the Rafah checkpoint, trucks are directed to the Israeli crossing of Kerem Shalom, located a few kilometers away.

There, drivers must exit their vehicles for inspection.

Following rigorous checks, authorized goods are unloaded and subsequently reloaded onto different vehicles permitted to enter Gaza.

Other Crossings

The Trump-brokered agreement provides for the entry of 600 trucks daily.

Currently, Israel permits humanitarian aid deliveries in reduced quantities, with three-quarters entering through the Kerem Shalom crossing and the remainder through the Kissufim crossing, according to UN reports.

The Erez, or Beit Hanoun, crossing between Gaza and southern Israel was destroyed by Hamas militants during their October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

Briefly reopened in early 2025, it is currently non-operational with no scheduled reopening date.

Additional access points have functioned previously, but Israeli authorities have not communicated whether these will be reinstated.