Israeli media say Rafah border reopens
Multiple Israeli media outlets report that the crossing between Gaza and Egypt has reopened on a trial basis.
The Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper said the key crossing is active as of the morning “in a pilot operation”, adding the movement of people is expected to “actually begin tomorrow in both directions”.
About 150 people are expected to leave the Gaza Strip daily, compared with about 50 who will be allowed to return to the Palestinian territory, it said.
Israel’s Channel 12, citing an unnamed security source, said authorities have begun examining the systems designed for verification and activating a prototype at the crossing in the presence of representatives from the European Union and Egypt.
Some individuals may be allowed to cross through the Rafah crossing today, but the number will not reach 150, it added.
Rafah Crossing – UPDATE:
The Rafah crossing has reopened for movement of people only.
Today, a pilot is underway to test and assess the operation of the crossing.
The movement of residents in both directions, entry and exit to and from Gaza, is expected to begin tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/m0SFdAUXbj
— COGAT (@cogatonline) February 1, 2026
20,000 wounded and sick Palestinians eagerly wait medical evacuation
Medical evacuations are expected to take place in the coming days. As of today, the Rafah crossing has officially reopened.
However, what’s happening today is a pilot programme to test the monitoring and screening system at the crossing. We’re talking about people going through an area where the European Commission is tasked with security operations, and then through the Israeli-controlled side, where much of the screening will occur.
After the pilot project is complete, Israel says 150 people will be allowed to exit through Rafah each day, with 50 Palestinians allowed to enter the Gaza Strip. This is not at full capacity compared with previous times.
We’re looking at about 20,000 Palestinians needing urgent medical evacuations, so that means, based on Israeli restrictions, it will take months for all these people to leave Gaza for healthcare abroad.
Israel: Rafah opened for ‘limited passage’ of Gaza residents
Israel says it reopened the critical Rafah border between Gaza and Egypt but only in a limited capacity, allowing passage solely for Palestinian residents of the territory.
“In accordance with the ceasefire agreement and a directive of the political echelon, the Rafah Crossing was opened today for the limited passage of residents only,” said COGAT, the Israeli Defence Ministry body coordinating Palestinian civilian affairs.
“As part of this, an initial pilot phase began today conducted in coordination with the European Union Border Assistance Mission [EUBAM], Egypt, and all relevant stakeholders.
“The actual passage of residents in both directions will begin upon completion of these preparations,” it added.
