Israel To Reopen Rafah Crossing For Pedestrians Only After Recovery Of Last Hostage’s Remains

Israel has announced that it will allow only pedestrian movement through the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt as part of a limited reopening, contingent on the recovery of the remains of the last Israeli hostage in Gaza.

In a statement issued on Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the crossing would reopen solely for foot traffic and only under a “full Israeli inspection mechanism.” The decision, it added, depends on the return of all living hostages and what it described as a “100 per cent effort” by Hamas to locate and return all deceased hostages.

Rafah, a critical gateway for humanitarian aid into Gaza, has remained closed since Israeli forces took control of it during the war. Its reopening formed part of a truce framework announced by US President Donald Trump in October, although implementation has stalled for months.

According to Israeli authorities, the military has been searching a cemetery in Gaza for the remains of Ran Gvili, believed to be the last hostage whose body has not yet been recovered. Netanyahu’s office said the crossing would be opened once the operation is completed, in line with agreements reached with the United States.

It remains unclear whether the limited reopening would allow medical patients to leave Gaza for treatment in Egypt or elsewhere. Aid agencies and world leaders have repeatedly called for expanded access, warning that Gaza—devastated by more than two years of war—relies heavily on humanitarian supplies, including food, medicine and medical equipment.

The announcement contrasts with earlier remarks by Gaza’s newly appointed administrator, Ali Shaath, who said last week that Rafah would reopen “in both directions.” Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Shaath described the crossing as a lifeline for Palestinians, symbolising hope and opportunity.

Reaction among Gazans has been marked by disappointment. “After two and a half years of war, doesn’t the world realise that the entire population of Gaza is sick and exhausted?” said Mohammed Ala, 49, who has not seen his wife since she travelled to Egypt for medical treatment before the war.

Maha Youssef, 37, who was displaced to eastern Gaza City, said the possibility of travel represents a chance to reclaim normal life. “Even if it’s difficult and uncertain, my children could see what normal life looks like and go to school,” she said.

Israeli media reports also indicate that US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner pressed Netanyahu to reopen the crossing during talks in Jerusalem over the weekend.