Israel has signaled that the Rafah border crossing will reopen &ldquo;in the coming days,&rdquo; allowing Gaza residents to travel into Egypt for medical treatment and essential movement. The announcement follows confirmation that remains recovered in Gaza this week did not belong to the two hostages still held by Hamas, prompting renewed coordination under the ceasefire framework.
The Israeli coordination body COGAT said the crossing would open exclusively for outbound movement from Gaza, under Israeli security clearance and managed jointly with Egypt and the European Union, replicating the oversight mechanism used earlier this year. In accordance with the ceasefire agreement, the Rafah Crossing will open in the coming days exclusively for the exit of residents from the Gaza Strip to Egypt.
The reopening is expected to ease a growing humanitarian crisis, with the World Health Organization reporting over 16,500 injured and sick Gazans requiring urgent evacuation. Rafah remains Gaza&rsquo;s only passage not directly controlled by Israel, though its operation has historically been unpredictable, often shutting down without notice due to political or security tensions.
The move comes as the first phase of the US-brokered ceasefire nears completion. Israel has received 20 live hostages and 26 sets of remains so far, while returning Palestinian bodies as part of the negotiated exchange. Gaza&rsquo;s health ministry says it has received 330 remains to date, underscoring the scale of devastation after two years of conflict.

Rafah Crossing Set to Reopen Soon

Exit for Gazans to Egypt approved

December 3, 2025 | 23:01 IST