Rafah Crossing Opens Under EU Monitoring After Long Closure
- Publish date: since 3 hours Reading time: 1 min read
Pilot operation marks first partial reopening in over 18 months, aiming to restore two-way movement between Gaza and Egypt.
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The Rafah border crossing has begun a trial operation under European Union monitoring, marking its first reopening after more than a year and a half of near-total closure.
Shadi Othman, media officer at the EU office in Jerusalem, said the pilot phase started on Sunday to facilitate the movement of Palestinians to and from the Gaza Strip. He explained that the initial focus is on ensuring the crossing operates in both directions, allowing passengers to enter and exit smoothly.
Othman confirmed that the legal framework governing the EU’s involvement is based on previous agreements, particularly the 2005 Agreement, which defines the bloc’s role as a monitoring body to ensure compliance with agreed operational standards.
He added that the European Union has previously overseen operations at the Rafah crossing during earlier openings, including periods of truce that enabled some Gaza residents to travel.
The crossing has remained largely shut since May 7, 2024, when Israeli forces advanced into the Rafah land crossing and halted all passenger movement and humanitarian aid deliveries into the Gaza Strip.
The current trial operation is seen as a critical step toward restoring border access and easing movement restrictions for Palestinians, while maintaining international oversight through the EU monitoring mission.
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