Israel has announced that the Rafah crossing with Egypt, a vital gateway for Gaza’s more than two million residents, will remain closed until the body of the last remaining Israeli hostage is recovered. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated late yesterday that the reopening will occur only after a “focused operation” to locate the remains of police officer Ran Gvili is completed.
The crossing was initially slated to open under the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in October. However, Israel has made it clear that the resumption of civilian passage is contingent on two key conditions: the return of all living hostages and a full effort by Hamas to return the bodies of deceased hostages.
All hostages have been returned except for Ran Gvili, whose recovery has prompted a targeted Israeli military operation in northern Gaza. Israeli officials have confirmed that multiple intelligence leads are being pursued to locate his remains. Netanyahu’s office emphasized that the operation is exhaustive, ensuring that every piece of intelligence is acted upon.
Once the operation concludes, Israel has pledged to reopen the Rafah Crossing, which serves as the main exit and entry point for Palestinians in Gaza. Ali Shaath, head of a US-backed transitional committee overseeing Gaza, had earlier indicated that the crossing could open this week.
Under Trump’s 20-point plan, the reopening will initially allow pedestrian passage only, with Israeli inspection mechanisms in place. The plan has now entered its second phase, involving further Israeli troop withdrawals and a shift in administrative control of Gaza to Hamas. Reports suggest that Israel may regulate the number of Palestinians entering Gaza to ensure more can leave than enter, highlighting the delicate logistics of the border’s operation.
For the people of Gaza, many of whom have lived under restricted movement for years, the crossing represents not just a border, but hope for renewed connections with the outside world. Behind the political negotiations and military operations are families, neighbors, and ordinary lives waiting for a return to some semblance of normalcy.
