AhlulBayt News Agency: Ali Shaath, head of the Palestinian National Committee for Gaza Administration, announced that the Rafah border crossing will reopen in both directions on Monday, February 2, 2026, after completing all operational arrangements with the relevant authorities.
In a Facebook post, Shaath confirmed that the crossing will officially resume operations on Monday following the finalization of all organizational and coordination procedures.
He added that Sunday, February 1, will be used as a trial day to test operational mechanisms at the crossing ahead of the full reopening the following day.
Meanwhile, Israeli occupation authorities stated on Friday that the Rafah Crossing between Gaza and Egypt will reopen on Sunday after nearly 20 months of closure, though travelers will be required to undergo Israeli security screening.
According to Israel’s Channel 12, departures from Gaza will require full coordination with Egyptian authorities as well as prior Israeli security approval.
The report also noted that return to Gaza will be restricted to individuals who left during the war, meaning the crossing will not be fully accessible to the general population.
Israeli forces had completely shut down the Rafah Crossing on May 7, 2024, after taking control of Rafah city in southern Gaza.
Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported that the closure resulted in the deaths of more than 1,000 patients, while over 22,000 injured or ill individuals urgently need to travel abroad for medical treatment.
The shutdown also disrupted the education of thousands of scholarship‑holding students, causing significant academic setbacks.
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