Rafah border crossing begins pilot operation

CAIRO – 1 February 2026: The Rafah land crossing on the border between the Palestinian Gaza Strip and Egypt was opened on a trial basis on Sunday morning, following more than a year and a half of near-total closure, Extra News reported on Sunday.

The report added that the European Union will assume a supervisory role at the crossing.

Egypt is strictly adhering to a “one Palestinian out, one Palestinian in” policy at the Rafah border crossing with Gaza, journalist and analyst Osama Al-Dalil said.

The crossing, historically a vital gateway for Gaza residents seeking medical treatment and travel, has been largely closed by Israel since May.