The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will stay closed indefinitely, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Saturday. He tied its reopening to Hamas handing over the bodies of Israeli hostages, a move that has reignited tensions despite a US-brokered ceasefire.
Earlier in the day, the Palestinian embassy in Egypt said Rafah would reopen on Monday for entry into Gaza, but Netanyahu&rsquo;s statement cancelled that plan.
Why Rafah Matters Rafah is Gaza&rsquo;s only exit not directly controlled by Israel, before the war. It connects southern Gaza with Egypt&rsquo;s Sinai Peninsula, serving as a crucial lifeline for civilians, medical evacuations, and humanitarian aid.
Hostage Dispute Hamas accused Israel of breaching the ceasefire by keeping Rafah closed, saying it hinders recovery operations for deceased hostages. Israel, meanwhile, confirmed receiving two more bodies, making it 12 out of 28 as per the truce deal.
Humanitarian Toll The continued closure has worsened Gaza&rsquo;s humanitarian crisis. The UN World Food Programme reports that only about 560 metric tons of food enter daily, far below what&rsquo;s needed to combat hunger.
Rafah has largely remained shut since May 2024, reopening briefly for limited aid. Its reopening is key to Trump&rsquo;s 20-point peace plan, which envisions disarming Hamas and forming a Palestinian state.
US Reaction The US State Department warned of &ldquo;credible reports&rdquo; of a potential Hamas violation of the ceasefire. President Donald Trump cautioned that Israel may resume fighting if Hamas fails to comply with the agreement.

Netanyahu links Rafah reopening to Hamas returning hostage bodies, worsening Gaza’s plight

Rafah Border Closure Deepens Gaza Crisis

Netanyahu links Rafah reopening to Hamas returning hostage bodies, worsening Gaza’s plight

October 19, 2025 | 14:54 IST