Israel to Open Rafah Crossing for Palestinian Evacuations

Sat Dec 20 2025 15:58:07 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Israeli authorities have announced plans to reopen the Rafah crossing into Egypt for Palestinian evacuations, as part of ongoing humanitarian efforts amidst the continuing conflict.

Israel has indicated the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt will open soon to facilitate the departure of Palestinians from Gaza. The Israeli military stated that coordination with Egypt and supervision by the EU will be involved. However, Egypt has refuted claims of cooperation with Israel on this matter. The crossing has been largely closed since May 2024, and many Palestinians, including sick individuals awaiting treatment, urgently need evacuation.

Israel has announced it will open the key Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt in the coming days to allow Palestinians to leave the territory.

Israeli military body Cogat said exits would be facilitated through co-ordination with Egypt, following security approval by Israel and under the supervision of the European Union mission. It added that this would be similar to the mechanism that operated in January, when the crossing opened during a previous ceasefire.

An Israeli security official stated the move expresses Israel's support for the current ceasefire with Hamas, which has been ongoing for seven weeks.

However, Egypt denied it was co-ordinating with Israel to reopen the Rafah crossing.

The State Information Service cited an official Egyptian source, claiming that if an agreement is reached to open the crossing, it would operate in both directions, in accordance with US President Donald Trump's plan.

According to the World Health Organization, at least 16,500 severely ill Palestinians are waiting for evacuation, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance as the crossing has remained mostly closed since May 2024.

Israel's Haaretz newspaper has reported that Palestinian Authority (PA) forces are set to assist in operating the reopened crossing, alongside the EU's Border Assistance Mission.

Despite the announcement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has held off on reopening the crossing due to concerns over the remains of hostages held by Hamas and other armed groups.

The re-opening of this vital crossing could provide much-needed relief for the many Palestinians desperate for medical treatment abroad.