JERUSALEM/CAIRO— Israel has announced plans to reopen the vital Rafah border crossing with Egypt "in the coming days," but only for Palestinians to leave Gaza. This one-way exit policy has raised immediate concerns that it could be a step toward the permanent displacement of Gaza's population, a goal advocated by some far-right members of Israel's government.

The announcement has ignited a complex dispute. While it offers hope for over 16,500 sick and wounded Palestinians who urgently need evacuation for medical care, Egypt insists the crossing must open in both directions. Cairo's firm stance is rooted in a long-held and vehement opposition to accepting Palestinian refugees who might not be able to return. The United Nations has also called for the crossing to be "reopened fully".

Why This Matters

The Rafah crossing is not just another border. It is Gaza's only direct link to a country other than Israel. For a territory whose health system has been "decimated" by two years of war, it is a crucial lifeline for medical evacuation. Its operation also touches on core issues of sovereignty, freedom of movement, and the political future of Gaza. How it reopens will set a precedent for post-war governance and aid delivery.

What Happened & The Sticking Points

Israel's military coordination body, COGAT, stated the reopening would be "similar to the mechanism" used during a January 2025 ceasefire, facilitated with Egypt and supervised by a European Union mission. However, Egypt immediately denied any coordination with Israel on this one-way plan.

The dispute centers on three unresolved issues:

1. Direction of Travel: Israel says entry into Gaza will not be permitted until Hamas returns all remaining hostages. Egypt and the UN demand two-way movement.
2. Security Vetting: Palestinians wishing to leave would need security approval from both Israel and Egypt, but the criteria are unclear.
3. Broader Ceasefire Terms: Egypt links the crossing's operation to the U.S.-brokered ceasefire plan, which calls for it to open in both directions.

Expert Views and Political Impact

1. Experts and officials view the move through starkly different lenses:
2. A Step Toward Displacement? An Al Jazeera analyst in Gaza City said the one-way policy seems "directed to give less mobility" and could accelerate "the process of depopulating the Gaza Strip".
3. A Test of the Ceasefire: A former Egyptian diplomat framed it as a test of Israel's commitment to the peace plan, stating, "we've become accustomed to Israeli manoeuvring".
4. A Logistical and Political Hurdle: The European Union mission must finalize logistics, and the crossing itself is heavily damaged from the war, requiring repairs. Politically, reports suggest Palestinian Authority personnel may assist at the crossing, despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's public opposition to their role in Gaza.

What Happens Next?

The situation remains fluid. Israel says the opening is imminent, but last-minute hurdles are likely. The key developments to watch are:

Whether Egypt and Israel can bridge their disagreement on allowing entry into Gaza.

The establishment of a clear and fair process for security approvals.

The completion of logistical preparations by the European Union mission.

The resolution of hostage negotiations, which are directly linked to Israel's conditions.

A Gate of Hope and Fear

The potential reopening of the Rafah crossing represents a fragile crossroads. For thousands of ailing Gazans, it is a gate to lifesaving medical care. For the international community, it is a critical test of whether wartime agreements can translate into tangible humanitarian relief. However, with its restrictive one-way condition, the plan also acts as a mirror, reflecting deep-seated fears of permanent displacement and the immense political tensions that will define Gaza's path to any semblance of recovery. The world will be watching to see whether this crossing becomes a corridor for healing or a conduit for further conflict.

Verified

Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian stated the core condition: "Entry into Gaza would not be permitted until Israel receives all hostages remaining in Gaza."

What We Know So Far

1. The Rafah crossing is Gaza's sole border point not controlled by Israel, making it geopolitically unique.
2. It has been mostly closed since Israeli forces seized the Palestinian side in May 2024.
3. The reopening is part of a fragile, U.S.-brokered ceasefire that began on October 10, 2025.
4. Disputes over the return of deceased hostages' remains have previously delayed reopening talks.