Will Rafah Crossing Ever Open? Palestinians in Egypt Await Promised Reentry.

"Since the beginning of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, and until the closure of the Rafah border crossing in May 2024, around 100,000 Palestinians - approximately 4 percent of Gaza's population - have been displaced to Egypt. Some were forced to leave to receive medical treatment or continue their education after the Israeli war destroyed most schools and hospitals in the Strip, while others left in search of safety."

"The ceasefire that came into effect in October 2025 included, in its first phase, reopening the Rafah crossing in both directions and allowing Gazans stranded in Egypt to return. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu halted the implementation of this step, citing delays in the return of hostages. He agreed only to open the Rafah crossing in one direction - allowing Gaza residents to leave the Strip while preventing those stranded in Egypt from entering Gaza."

"Following Netanyahu's visit to the U.S. on December 29, which included talks focused on the next phase of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, a U.S. official told The Times of Israel that the Trump administration expects Israel to reopen the Rafah crossing in the coming days, allowing Gaza residents to enter and exit. The official added that the U.S. president and his aides raised the issue during their meetings with Netanyahu."

Since October 7, 2023, and until the Rafah crossing closed in May 2024, about 100,000 Palestinians — roughly 4 percent of Gaza’s population — relocated to Egypt for medical care, education, or safety after widespread destruction of schools and hospitals. Many expected temporary stays, but a two-year war left return prospects uncertain. The October 2025 ceasefire mandated reopening Rafah both ways to allow returns, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu limited that step, citing delays in hostage returns and permitting only one-way exits. Egypt rejected the one-way proposal as a breach, while U.S. officials urged full reopening after Netanyahu’s U.S. visit.

Read at Truthout