Israel: Rafah and Kerem Shalom border crossings to reopen

Israel has announced that two border crossings in the Gaza Strip, which were closed due to conflicts with Iran, will be reopened.

In a statement from the Israeli military's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), it was stated, "In accordance with the operational situation assessment and the lifting of security restrictions in Israel, it has been decided to reopen the Kerem Shalom (Kerem Abu Salem) Border Crossing starting tomorrow to allow for the gradual entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip."

The statement also indicated that the Rafah Border Crossing, located between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, will be opened for limited two-way transit.

It was noted that transit operations will be conducted in accordance with the mechanism in place before the border crossings were closed, and in line with coordination requests submitted by Egypt and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The statement asserted that COGAT will continue to allow and facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip within the framework of existing agreements.

Israel had closed the border crossings at the beginning of March

Israel closed the border crossings at the beginning of March following the attacks it launched against Iran in coordination with the US on February 28. In accordance with the ceasefire agreement that came into effect between Israel and Hamas on October 10, 2025, the Tel Aviv administration is required to lift restrictions on the entry and exit of Palestinians to and from the Gaza Strip and to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the region. However, Palestinian officials state that Israel has not yet fulfilled its fundamental commitments under the agreement, particularly regarding the entry of food, humanitarian aid, medical supplies, shelter equipment, and reconstruction vehicles into Gaza.

The Kerem Shalom Border Crossing is located at the intersection of the borders of Israel, Egypt, and the Gaza Strip. The border crossing is used by trucks carrying food, humanitarian aid, and similar goods from Israel or Egypt into the Gaza Strip.

News Source: İHA