The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt began a trial phase on Sunday ahead of its planned reopening that will allow a limited number of Palestinians to leave the war-torn enclave and completing the first phase of the US-brokered ceasefire plan. Ali Shaath, the head of the Palestinian technocratic committee that is supposed to run Gaza, said on social media that the crossing will open in both directions on Monday. An Israeli security official told CNN that 150 Palestinians a day will be allowed to leave Gaza, but only 50 will be allowed to enter. The full reopening of the Rafah crossing was part of the first phase of the US-brokered ceasefire agreement that went into effect in mid-October. But Israel refused to open the crossing until the return of all of the living and deceased hostages.

Source: Egypt Independent February 01, 2026 15:35 UTC