Israel says Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt will reopen March 18 for limited pedestrian traffic
The Facts
- COGAT said the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt will reopen on Wednesday, March 18, for limited pedestrian traffic.
- COGAT said the crossing will allow movement in both directions (Gaza to Egypt and Egypt to Gaza), but only for a limited number of people.
- COGAT said the decision to reopen followed a security assessment/examination of conditions and will maintain necessary security restrictions.
- COGAT said the crossing will operate according to the mechanism in place before it was closed, subject to relevant security directives.
- Multiple outlets reported the Rafah crossing had been closed since Feb. 28.
- Rafah is described as the only gateway for Gazans to the outside world that does not pass through Israel.
- COGAT said movement through the crossing will be coordinated with Egypt and conducted under the supervision of an EU mission.
Context
What exactly is changing at Rafah on March 18?
Israel’s COGAT says the Rafah crossing will reopen for limited pedestrian movement in both directions starting Wednesday, March 18, operating under the pre-closure mechanism and subject to security directives. Times of Israel Straits Times
Why was the Rafah crossing closed in late February?
COGAT and multiple reports say Rafah was closed on Feb. 28 amid security concerns, with several outlets linking the timing to the start of Israel’s offensive against Iran. 20minutes El Confidencial stern.de Straits Times
How will passage be managed once it reopens?
COGAT says entry and exit will be coordinated with Egypt, require Israeli security approval, and take place under EU mission supervision, with additional screening/identification measures referenced in reporting. Jerusalem Post Público.es stern.de
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