The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt has reopened for the movement of people after being largely closed since May 2024, when Israeli forces took control of the Palestinian side.

Axar.az, citing BBC, reports that the reopening is part of the first phase of a ceasefire plan backed by US President Donald Trump. Movement will be tightly restricted, with only dozens of people allowed to cross each day, while humanitarian aid and commercial goods remain barred.

Initially, around 50 sick or wounded Palestinians, each accompanied by two relatives, will be permitted to leave Gaza daily, and a similar number of Palestinians who fled during the war will be allowed to return. The World Health Organization will oversee patient transfers, the EU will supervise operations alongside Palestinian staff, and Israel will conduct remote security checks.

The crossing’s reopening follows delays linked to security conditions and hostage recovery, amid continued warnings from Israel over ceasefire violations.