By Micah Jonah
January 26, 2026
Israel has announced it will allow a limited reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt after Hamas provided ceasefire mediators with details on the location of the last abductee’s remains.
The move comes as part of the US-brokered truce framework agreed in October 2025, aimed at ending two years of conflict in the Palestinian territory. Israel’s reopening will initially be limited to the passage of people only and will operate under full Israeli oversight, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
The last abductee, police officer Ran Gvili, is to be returned to Israel before the crossing opens fully. Hamas confirmed it had shared all relevant information on Gvili’s whereabouts.
Israel’s far-right national security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, criticized the US truce envoys for pushing the Rafah reopening, calling it “a big mistake” that sends the wrong message amid ongoing security concerns.
Meanwhile, humanitarian concerns persist; the Rafah crossing is Gaza’s main window to the outside world, essential for aid delivery and medical evacuations. Palestinians outside the territory face uncertain access, thousands of children born during the blockade remain unregistered.
Over two years of war have devastated Gaza, leaving the population dependent on international aid. The limited reopening of Rafah is expected to ease humanitarian pressure, however, challenges remain in ensuring safe, sustained passage for Palestinians.
