Israel is preparing to open the Rafah crossing “in the coming days” to let Gaza residents cross into Egypt – as it claimed that partial remains handed over this week do not match the hostages taken in 2023.
The missing remains of two hostages threaten to stall a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas as it gets close to the completion of its first phase.
A specific time for the opening of the border has not been given, but it is hoped access will allow people to cross for medical and travel purposes – and will show Israel is still moving forward with the ceasefire agreement.
The coordination of government activities in the territories (COGAT) said the arrangement, which has Israeli security clearance, will be coordinated with Egypt under the supervision of the European Union mission, similar to the mechanism that operated in January 2025.
“In accordance with the ceasefire agreement and a directive of the political echelon, the Rafah Crossing will open in the coming days exclusively for the exit of residents from the Gaza Strip to Egypt,” a COGAT statement said.
It did not say whether there would be restrictions on who was allowed to leave Gaza, although they would require “Israeli security approval”.
An Israeli official, who spoke anonymously, said all Palestinians will be able to exit through Rafah as long as Egypt agrees to receive them, reported the Associated Press.
The source said the European Union still had to make some adjustments to logistics before the crossing could open.
The ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas called for the crossing to be opened for medical evacuations and for travel to and from Gaza.
More than 16,500 sick and wounded people need to leave Gaza for medical care, according to the World Health Organization.
The crossing was sealed off in May 2024 when Israel’s military invaded the area.
It was briefly opened in February this year for the evacuation of sick and wounded Palestinians for treatment, as part of the previous ceasefire deal.
Read more: How two years of war have shattered the Gaza Strip
Rafah is Gaza’s only gateway to the rest of the world which is not directly controlled by Israel.
It is under the control of Egypt as part of an agreement with Israel and the European Union.
Over the years, the crossing has been closed for long periods at a time.
When people are allowed through, there is the possibility the crossing will suddenly close without any significant notice.
Humanitarian aid vehicles wait at the Rafah crossing. File pic: AP
Hopes for the crossing’s opening came as Israel said forensic tests showed that partial remains handed over on Tuesday do not match two of the hostages who remain in Gaza.
The remains were found in Gaza’s northern town of Beit Lahiya, according to Palestinian media.
Hamas has not yet made any comment about the remains.
Twenty living hostages and the remains of 26 others have been returned to Israel since the ceasefire began in early October.
Israel has been releasing 15 Palestinian bodies for the remains of each hostage as part of the agreement.
The health ministry in Gaza said the number of remains received so far is 330.
