GAZA, (Palestine Foundation Information Center), Ali Shaath, head of the Palestinian National Committee for Gaza Administration, announced that the Rafah border crossing will reopen in both directions starting Monday, February 2, 2026, following the completion of operational arrangements with relevant parties.
In a Facebook post, Shaath said that the crossing will officially reopen on Monday after all organizational and coordination measures have been finalized.
He added that Sunday, February 1, will serve as a trial day to test operational procedures at the crossing in preparation for fully reopening the next day.
Meanwhile, Israeli occupation authorities announced on Friday that Rafah Crossing, between Gaza and Egypt, will reopen on Sunday after nearly 20 months of closure. However, travelers will be subject to Israeli security screening.
According to Israel’s Channel 12, travel from Gaza will require full coordination with Egyptian authorities and prior Israeli security approval.
The report added that return to Gaza will be limited to individuals who left during the war, meaning the crossing will not be fully open to the general public.
Israeli forces had completely closed the Rafah Crossing on May 7, 2024, when they took control of Rafah city in southern Gaza.
According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, the closure led to the deaths of over 1,000 patients. More than 22,000 injured or ill individuals urgently require travel to receive treatment outside Gaza.
The shutdown also disrupted the education of thousands of students holding scholarships abroad, causing years of academic loss.
