Israel has officially announced plans to partially reopen the Rafah border crossing, though strict limitations will remain in place. The crossing will be accessible exclusively to pedestrians, with a continued ban on trucks and cargo vehicles. Furthermore, authorities stated that the opening is contingent upon the conclusion of recovery operations for the remains of the final Israeli hostage held in Gaza.
Strict Conditions and Security Checks : In a statement issued Sunday night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office clarified the terms. The statement emphasized that the “limited scope” reopening for pedestrians will only proceed subject to full cooperation from Hamas regarding the return of all living hostages and the recovery of “100 percent” of the bodies of the deceased. Additionally, all movement through the crossing will be subject to rigorous Israeli security inspections.
The Search for Officer Ran Gvili : The immediate delay appears to center on the unrecovered remains of police officer Ran Gvili. On Sunday, the Israeli military confirmed that its forces were conducting searches within a cemetery in northern Gaza to locate the body.
In response, a spokesperson for the Qassam Brigades—the armed wing of Hamas—rejected implied accusations of non-cooperation. “We have handed over the location of the Israeli soldier’s remains with complete transparency,” the spokesperson stated. “We have upheld all terms of the ceasefire agreement. The responsibility now lies with the mediators to compel Israel to honour the promises they made.
Strategic Restrictions and the Aid Crisis : For the 2.3 million residents of the enclave, Rafah serves as the sole gateway to the outside world. Since early 2024, the Gaza side of the crossing has been under Israeli military control. While the initial phase of the relevant peace framework (referenced as the Trump plan) envisioned a fully functional crossing, Israel’s current stance rules out vehicular traffic entirely.
Antony Loewenstein, author of The Palestine Laboratory, suggests this restriction is calculated. “This aligns with Israel’s long-standing goal of displacement,” Loewenstein observed. He argues that by allowing only foot traffic, Israel facilitates the exodus of Palestinians while making their return—and the entry of essential goods—nearly impossible. “Thousands of tons of aid are currently rotting in Egyptian warehouses because they cannot be transported by hand,” he added.
Ongoing Violence : Despite Truce Narrative While diplomatic discussions regarding the crossing continue, violence on the ground has not ceased. On Sunday, at least three Palestinians were killed in strikes targeting the Tuffah neighbourhood in northern Gaza and areas in Khan Younis. Additionally, four people were wounded in a drone strike in Gaza City.
According to local health data, more than 480 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes since the nominal start of the ceasefire period. The cumulative toll over two years of conflict is devastating: 71,657 confirmed deaths and approximately 171,000 injuries. Analysts warn that even if Rafah opens to pedestrians, it will offer little relief to a population in desperate need of aid and stability.