Rafah Crossing opens today.. gradual operation and questions about final mechanisms

The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation confirmed that Israel will allow members of the technocrat committee to enter Gaza in the coming days, through the Rafah crossing, in a move it described as 'a gesture of goodwill towards US President Donald Trump'.

The Rafah crossing is scheduled to open for the first time today, Sunday, as part of a limited trial operation, according to sources, who in turn quoted a security official as saying that Egypt had transferred lists of the names of the first travelers to the Israeli side, to implement security screening procedures.

A source at the border stated that Sunday will be mainly dedicated to preparations and logistical aspects, especially the arrival of a delegation from the Palestinian Authority, and 'experimentally' allowing the transfer of wounded, according to three other sources at the crossing.

These sources said that 'no agreement has yet been concluded regarding the number of Palestinians allowed to enter and exit', explaining that Egypt intends to allow the entry of 'all Palestinians whom Israel will allow to leave'.

Actual passenger movement at the crossing is expected to begin on Monday, allowing 150 people to leave Gaza and 50 to return daily, according to sources.

Sources reported that 'the Israeli side hopes that the number of those leaving will be higher than the number of those wishing to return to Gaza'.

For its part, Egypt called on all parties in Gaza to adopt 'the utmost restraint' on the eve of the anticipated opening of the Rafah crossing, and appealed in a statement to 'all parties to fully adhere to their responsibilities in this delicate stage, in a way that contributes to maintaining and sustaining the ceasefire'.

It is worth noting that the Rafah crossing is considered the only land crossing connecting Gaza to the outside world without passing through Israel, and is located in the territories still controlled by Israeli occupation forces since May 2024, and was previously reopened for a brief period in early 2025.