Israel Announces ‘Limited’ Rafah Crossing Reopening Amid Hostage Search
Israel has initiated a focused operation to locate the remains of Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, the last identified hostage in Gaza. Following this operation, Israel has agreed to a limited reopening of the Rafah crossing. This crossing connects Gaza to Egypt and is crucial for the movement of its two million residents.
Operation to Locate Hostage Remains
The Israeli military is conducting a targeted effort in northern Gaza, driven by multiple intelligence leads regarding Gvili’s possible location. According to the Israeli Prime Minister’s office, this operation aims to thoroughly investigate all gathered information related to the fallen soldier.
Reopening of Rafah Crossing
In conjunction with the operation, Israel plans to reopen the Rafah crossing for pedestrian traffic only, contingent on a complete Israeli inspection mechanism. This reopening aligns with a 20-point plan previously outlined by President Trump.
- The Rafah crossing serves as the primary exit and entry point for the majority of Gaza’s inhabitants.
- Since 2024, the Gaza side of the crossing has remained under Israeli military control.
- A brief opening occurred in early 2025, allowing for the evacuation of sick and wounded Palestinians, linked to an earlier ceasefire.
Despite the planned reopening, the Rafah crossing has been largely closed since the ceasefire in October. Israel insists that Hamas must comply with the terms of the agreement to return all hostages, whether alive or deceased.
Humanitarian Aid Restrictions
The ongoing closure has complicated the delivery of humanitarian aid. Trucks carrying essential supplies face significant restrictions. Recent reports indicated that Israel intends to limit the number of Palestinians entering Gaza to allow a greater number to exit.
This focused approach reflects Israel’s strategy to balance humanitarian needs while pursuing operational goals linked to hostage recovery.
