{{Short description|Egypt–Palestine border crossing}} {{pp-extended|small=yes}} {{Infobox bridge | fetchwikidata = coordinates | name = Rafah Border Crossing | native_name = {{lang|ar|معبر رفح}} | image = Road to Gaza 060 - Flickr - Al Jazeera English.jpg | caption = Rafah Crossing Point | coordinates = | carries = | maint = {{flag icon|Egypt}} [[Egyptian Border Guard Corps|Border Guard Corps]] {{small|(Egyptian side)}}<br />[[European Union Border Assistance Mission to Rafah]], [[Palestinian Authority]] {{small|(Gazan side)}} | crosses = [[Gaza–Egypt border]] | locale = {{flag icon|Egypt}} [[Rafah, Egypt]] <br />{{flag icon|Palestine}} [[Rafah|Rafah, Gaza Strip]] | website = | begin = | complete = | cost = | open = <!-- or | opening = --> | closed = | traffic = | toll = | map_relief = | map_dot_label = | map_image = | map_size = | map_alt = | map_caption = }} {{Gaza blockade}}

The '''Rafah Border Crossing''' ({{langx|ar|معبر رفح|Ma`bar Rafaḥ}}) or '''Rafah Crossing Point''' is the sole crossing point between [[Egypt]] and [[Palestine]]'s [[Gaza Strip]] and Gaza's sole border point with a country other than [[Israel]].<ref>{{cite web | title=Egyptian role in the Siege of Gaza | website=CJPME - English | date=2018-08-01 | url=https://www.cjpme.org/fs_062 | access-date=2025-08-08}}</ref>

The Rafah crossing was opened by [[Israel]] after the [[Egypt–Israel peace treaty|1979 peace treaty]] and remained under Israeli control until 2005, when it was transferred to Egyptian, [[Palestinian Authority]], and EU control, giving Palestinians partial control of an international border for the first time. In 2007, after [[Hamas]] [[Battle of Gaza (2007)|seized]] Gaza, the EU withdrew, and Israel imposed a complete blockade, effectively sealing Gaza. In the same year, Egypt closed the Rafah crossing. Since then, the Rafah crossing has only opened intermittently for Palestinian movement.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Al-Kassab |first=Fatima |date=2023-11-07 |title=What is Gaza's Rafah crossing and why is it important? |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/11/07/1210897789/rafah-crossing-gaza-egypt-israel-hamas-war |access-date=2025-03-08 |work=NPR |language=en |archive-date=2025-02-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226051057/https://www.npr.org/2023/11/07/1210897789/rafah-crossing-gaza-egypt-israel-hamas-war |url-status=live }}</ref>

Under a 2007 agreement between Egypt and Israel, Egypt controls the crossing but imports through the Rafah crossing require Israeli approval.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rafah border crossing: could Egypt open it to fleeing Palestinians? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/15/rafah-border-crossing-could-egypt-open-it-to-fleeing-palestinians |access-date=2023-12-05 |website=The Guardian |date=15 October 2023 |archive-date=2023-10-15 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231015192844/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/15/rafah-border-crossing-could-egypt-open-it-to-fleeing-palestinians |url-status=live |last1=Michaelson |first1=Ruth }}</ref> Israel took control of the Rafah Border Crossing on May 7, 2024, during [[Gaza war]] and withdrew in Jan 2025 as part of ceasefire agreement.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-07 |title=Israel seizes Gaza's vital Rafah crossing, but the US says it isn't the full invasion many fear |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-05-07-2024-113bf4ee5dad87dc5c003d76ed2785bf |access-date=2025-03-08 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=2024-05-09 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240509065449/https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-05-07-2024-113bf4ee5dad87dc5c003d76ed2785bf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Israeli army withdraws from Rafah crossing, hands over control to EU forces ahead of its reopening |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/israeli-army-withdraws-from-rafah-crossing-hands-over-control-to-eu-forces-ahead-of-its-reopening/3468198 |access-date=2025-03-08 |website=www.aa.com.tr |archive-date=2025-02-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250212161126/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/israeli-army-withdraws-from-rafah-crossing-hands-over-control-to-eu-forces-ahead-of-its-reopening/3468198 |url-status=live }}</ref> The crossing was later reoccupied during [[March 2025 Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip|Operation Might and Sword]] on 18 March.<ref name="TOI-Rafah">{{cite news |last=Magid |first=Jacob |title=As Israel closes Rafah Crossing, source says EU, Palestinian officials operating it weren't in Gaza when strikes began |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/as-israel-closes-rafah-crossing-source-says-eu-palestinian-officials-operating-it-werent-in-gaza-when-strikes-began/ |work=The Times of Israel |date=18 March 2025 |access-date=24 July 2025}}</ref> It was occupied and was manned by the [[Gaza Division]]. The reopening of the Rafah crossing in both directions as part of Trump's [[Gaza war peace plan|Gaza war ceasefire plan]] followed the procedures established under the [[January 2025 Gaza war ceasefire|January 19, 2025, agreement]].<ref name=reatru/> On 12 October 2025, trucks entered Gaza through the Rafah crossing; two days later, Israel again closed the crossing indefinitely. On 2 February 2026, the crossing was reopened,<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Palestinians allowed in to Gaza and patients are evacuated to Egypt as the Rafah crossing reopens|url=https://apnews.com/article/rafah-gaza-israel-palestinians-egypt-crossing-b78d6a15790148a697634cd303c3b5a9|website=Associated Press|date=2 February 2026|access-date=2 February 2026}}</ref> but since the beginning of the [[2026 Iran war|Iran war]], it was closed again.

==Rafah Land Port== The ''Rafah land port'', known as the "Salah al Din Gate"<ref>[http://english.aawsat.com/2008/02/article55259957/the-rafah-crossing-a-gateway-to-hope ''The Rafah Crossing: A Gateway to Hope?''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304062704/http://english.aawsat.com/2008/02/article55259957/the-rafah-crossing-a-gateway-to-hope|date=2016-03-04}}. Asharq Al-Awsat, 9 February 2008</ref> is located at the original Rafah crossing on the [[Salah al-Din Road]], the main highway of Gaza from [[Erez Crossing|Erez]] to Rafah.

Before [[Israeli disengagement from the Gaza Strip|Israel's disengagement from Gaza]] on 11 September 2005, the main border crossing at Rafah between Egypt and Gaza was controlled by Israeli authorities. Under the November [[Agreement on Movement and Access|2005 Agreement on Movement and Access]], administration was handed over to the [[Palestinian Authority]], monitored by the [[European Union Border Assistance Mission to Rafah|European Union Border Assistance Mission]] (EUBAM Rafah). Rafah land port was bombed by Israel in October 2009 allegedly to destroy tunnels.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20091013040957/http://www.pchrgaza.org/files/W_report/English/2008/08-10-2009.htm ''Weekly Report: On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory''], No. 39/2009. Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, 8 October 2009 <br />"At approximately 01:35, Israeli fighter jets dropped 3 bombs on Salah al-Din Gate on the Egyptian border, south of Rafah, allegedly to destroy tunnels."</ref>

A new Rafah Crossing Point , sometimes referred to in Arabic as '''"Al Awda"''' ("The Return"), was constructed south of the town of Rafah.<ref>[http://www.ochaopt.org/documents/ocha_opt_the_closure_map_2011_12_21_rafah.pdf ''RAFAH Access and Closure | December 2014''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304092557/http://www.ochaopt.org/documents/ocha_opt_the_closure_map_2011_12_21_rafah.pdf|date=2016-03-04}}. OCHA, 3 July 2015. [http://www.ochaopt.org/mapstopic.aspx?id=106&page=3 Here available] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151123195245/http://www.ochaopt.org/mapstopic.aspx?id=106&page=3|date=2015-11-23}}</ref> Separately, a commercial gate—known as the '''"Salah al-Din Gate"'''—was first opened in 2018 along Salah al-Din Road and is used for truck traffic between Egypt and Gaza.<ref name="1st">[https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/israel-to-open-kerem-shalom-crossing-for-gaza-aid-inspections-for-first-time-since-war-started/ Israel to open Kerem Shalom Crossing for Gaza aid inspections for first time since war started] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214113711/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/israel-to-open-kerem-shalom-crossing-for-gaza-aid-inspections-for-first-time-since-war-started/ |date=2023-12-14 }}. Jacob Magid for ''[[Times of Israel]]''. Posted and accessed 7 Dec 2023.</ref><ref name="DC">[https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/new-gaza-crossing-raises-questions-about-blockade-policies New Gaza Crossing Raises Questions About Blockade Policies], Neri Zilber for [[The Washington Institute for Near East Policy]], 23 Oct 2019. Accessed 7 Dec 2023.</ref>

==History== ===1906 Ottoman-British border agreement=== By the Ottoman–British agreement of 1 October 1906, a [[Borders of Israel#Border with Egypt|border between Ottoman-ruled Palestine and British-ruled Egypt]], from Taba to Rafah, was agreed upon.<ref name=kliot_1995>[https://www.dur.ac.uk/ibru/publications/download/?id=207 ''The Evolution of the Egypt-Israel Boundary: From Colonial Foundations to Peaceful Borders''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806033801/https://www.dur.ac.uk/ibru/publications/download/?id=207 |date=2020-08-06 }}, pp. 3, 9, 18. Nurit Kliot, Boundary and Territory Briefing, Volume 1 Number 8. [https://books.google.com/books?id=tESlCz39akkC Also part. at Google books]</ref>

===1948–1979: Occupations and wars=== From 1948, Gaza was occupied by Egypt. Consequently, a Gaza–Egypt border no longer existed. In the 1967 [[Six-Day War]], Israel conquered both the Gaza Strip and the [[Sinai Peninsula]] from Egypt, both becoming occupied territories.

===1982–2005: Israel-Egypt border at Rafah=== [[File:Gaza-israel-rafah-border-stamp-2000.jpg|thumb|left|Visit permit issued by Israeli authorities at the Rafah border, 2000]]

In 1979, [[Egypt–Israel peace treaty|Israel and Egypt signed a peace treaty]] that eventually returned the Sinai, which borders the Gaza Strip, to Egyptian control. As part of that treaty, a 100-meter-wide strip of land known as the [[Philadelphi Corridor]] was established as a [[buffer zone]] between Gaza and Egypt.<ref name=rastogi>[http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/explainer/2008/01/gaza_the_basics.html ''Gaza: The Basics. Some history and background on the Gaza Strip''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911090321/http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/explainer/2008/01/gaza_the_basics.html |date=2018-09-11 }}. Nina Rastogi, Slate, 25 January 2008</ref> In the Peace Treaty, the re-created Gaza–Egypt border was drawn across the city of [[Rafah]]. When Israel withdrew from the Sinai in 1982, Rafah was divided into an Egyptian and a Palestinian part, splitting up families, separated by barbed-wire barriers.<ref name=kliot_1995/><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20051022004151/http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2005/761/re1.htm ''Cinderella in Rafah'']. Al-Ahram, Issue No. 761, 22–28 September 2005</ref>

===2005: Israel disengages; Egypt-Palestinian border=== On 16 February 2005, the Israeli parliament approved the plan for the [[Israeli disengagement from the Gaza Strip]]. Israel withdrew from Gaza in September 2005, after which the Rafah Border Crossing was temporarily closed.<ref name=bbc_landmark_day>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4472854.stm Landmark day on Gaza-Egypt border] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201134652/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4472854.stm |date=2024-12-01 }}. BBC, 26 November 2005</ref> Egypt continued to exercise control on the Egyptian side of the [[Gaza–Egypt border]]. Under the November 2005 [[Agreement on Movement and Access]] (AMA), the [[Fatah]]-dominated [[Palestinian National Authority|Palestinian Authority]] assumed administrative responsibility for the Gazan side of the border crossing, with [[European Union Border Assistance Mission to Rafah|EU monitors]] overseeing operations.

The [[Philadelphi Route#Philadelphi Accord|Philadelphi Accord]] between Israel and Egypt, based on the principles of the 1979 [[Egypt–Israel peace treaty|peace treaty]], provided for the deployment of 750 Egyptian border guards along the length of the border. Both Egypt and Israel pledged to work together to prevent terrorism, arms smuggling, and other illegal cross-border activities.<ref name=rastogi/><ref>[http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/a-new-reality-on-the-egypt-gaza-border-part-i-contents-of-the-new-israel-eg ''A New Reality on the Egypt-Gaza Border (Part I): Contents of the New Israel-Egypt Agreement''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118083020/http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/a-new-reality-on-the-egypt-gaza-border-part-i-contents-of-the-new-israel-eg |date=2015-11-18 }}. Brooke Neuman, Washington Institute for Near East Policy, 19 September 2005</ref> The agreement also granted Israel the authority to dispute the entry of any individual through the crossing.<ref name=principles_rafah>[http://www.eubam-rafah.eu/portal/files/aprc.pdf ''Agreed Principles for Rafah Crossing''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716205224/http://www.eubam-rafah.eu/portal/files/aprc.pdf |date=2015-07-16 }}. 15 November 2005.<br />″The PA will notify the GoI 48 hours in advance of the crossing of a person in the excepted categories...The GoI will respond within 24 hours with any objections and will include the reasons for the objections;...On a case-by-case basis, the PA will consider information on persons of concern provided by the GoI. The PA will consult with the GoI and the 3rd party prior to the PA making a decision to prohibit travel or not.″<br />″Rafah will also be used for export of goods to Egypt.″</ref>

[[File:Road to Gaza 069 - Flickr - Al Jazeera English.jpg |thumb|250px| Egyptian side of the Rafah [[land port]] in 2009.]] [[File:Egyptian Convoy to Gaza, Palestine.jpg |thumb|250px| Rafah Border Crossing in 2012.]] The AMA principles for Rafah stipulate that "Rafah will also be used for export of goods to Egypt".<ref name="principles_rafah" /> However, a confidential PLO document revealed that Egypt under president [[Hosni Mubarak]] did not permit such exports.<ref name="ama_background-2007">{{cite web | title=ANNEX II Agreement on Movement and Access (AMA) BACKGROUND & UPDATE August 2007 | url=https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/arabs/PalPaper080107.pdf | access-date=2025-08-06}}</ref> All imports of goods were diverted to the Israeli-controlled [[Kerem Shalom border crossing]], reportedly because Israel threatened to exclude Gaza from the customs union over concerns about the [[Protocol on Economic Relations|Paris Protocol]] implementation.<ref name="ama_background-2007"/> The Palestinians agreed to the diversion in order to reduce Israeli interference at Rafah and maximize their sovereignty. Although intended as a temporary measure, imports through Rafah were never implemented, leading to the rise of a [[Gaza Strip smuggling tunnels|smuggling tunnel economy]].

Israel consistently tried to turn the Kerem Shalom border crossing-adjacent to Egypt-into Gaza's main commercial or even passenger crossing between Gaza and Israel. The Palestinian side opposed this, fearing that it would give Israel de facto control over the Gaza-Egypt border or potentially replace Rafah altogether.<ref name="ama_background-2007" />

On 26 November 2005, the Rafah crossing opened for the first time under the European Union's supervision. The Israeli army maintained video surveillance from a nearby base and retained control over the movement of all goods and trade into and out of Gaza.<ref name="bbc_landmark_day" /> The agreement allowed Gazans with Palestinian ID cards to pass through. For seven months, the crossing functioned smoothly, with around 1,320 people crossing each day.<ref name=strraf>https://www.btselem.org/gaza-strip/gaza-strip-rafah-crossing</ref> The reopening of the Rafah Crossing allowed Palestinians greater freedom of movement and access to international travel. It also opened possibilities for trade that could help revive the economy and improve humanitarian conditions. In addition, it gave the Palestinian Authority a chance to directly manage a border crossing and showcase the competence of its personnel.<ref name="b990">{{cite web | title=Rafah crossing point celebrates 100,000th crossing | website=Question of Palestine | date=2019-03-12 | url=https://www.un.org/unispal/document/auto-insert-198764/ | access-date=2025-08-07}}</ref>

From November 2005 to July 2007, the Rafah Crossing was jointly controlled by Egypt and the Palestinian Authority, with the European Union monitoring Palestinian compliance on the Gaza side.<ref name=eubam_faqs>[http://www.eubam-rafah.eu/node/2311 ''FAQs''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118120217/http://www.eubam-rafah.eu/node/2311 |date=2015-11-18 }}. EU BAM Rafah. Accessed September 2015</ref> In January 2006, Hamas won the [[2006 Palestinian legislative election|Palestinian elections]] and subsequently formed a [[First Haniyeh Government|government]]. The Rafah Crossing operated daily until June 2006.<ref name=strraf/> However, the terms of the Agreement were regularly breached as Hamas representatives began transporting large sums of cash across the border from Egypt. Despite border checks identifying many of these transfers—often exceeding a million dollars—the EU BAM monitors lacked the authority to stop them from entering Gaza.<ref name=isreur/> Despite the strict security arrangements, the EU BAM presence failed to prevent certain wanted individuals from entering Gaza. In December 2005, several Hamas members previously expelled by Israel crossed the Rafah border, prompting Israeli protests. Israeli prime minister [[Ariel Sharon]] warned of closing all Gaza border crossings if control measures were not upheld. Following talks with Israeli officials, Egyptian president [[Hosni Mubarak]] pledged to enhance security at the crossing. Palestinian authorities, however, insisted that any holder of Palestinian citizenship had the right to pass through Rafah.<ref name=isreur/>

==Closures of the border== {{See also|Gaza blockade}}

===2006 to 2007=== On 23 June 2006, Israel issued security warnings that prevented European monitors from travelling to the terminal. In their absence, the Rafah crossing was required to close, leaving hundreds of Palestinians stranded.<ref name=Hamthr/> This was not the first time Israel had closed Rafah.<ref>{{cite web | title=Israel to step up Gaza shelling despite civilian deaths | website=IslamicBoard | date=2006-06-24 | url=https://www.islamicboard.com/threads/israel-to-step-up-gaza-shelling-despite-civilian-deaths.23662/amp | access-date=2025-08-07}}</ref> In response, the Hamas-led PA Government threatened to terminate the ''Rafah border-crossing agreement'' if the border would not be reopened.<ref name=Hamthr>[http://www.aljazeera.com/archive/2006/06/20084913258912890.html ''Hamas threatens to end Rafah deal''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701194418/https://www.aljazeera.com/archive/2006/06/20084913258912890.html |date=2018-07-01 }}. Al Jazeera, 23 June 2006</ref>

On 25 June 2006, Palestinian militants attacked the [[Kerem Shalom border crossing]] and captured the Israeli soldier [[Gilad Shalit]]. Israel then closed the Rafah crossing, citing security concerns. It was subsequently opened only sporadically and without prior notice.<ref name="uncha">{{cite journal |journal=Domino |publisher=United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs |title=''The Agreement on Movement and Access One Year On'' |date=November 2006 |url=http://domino.un.org/pdfs/AMA_OneYearOn.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005001719/http://domino.un.org/pdfs/AMA_OneYearOn.pdf |archive-date=2013-10-05 }}</ref><ref name=strraf/> Between then and June 2007, it remained closed for 265 days.<ref name=strraf/>

In 2007, Hamas seized control of the Gaza strip in a [[Battle of Gaza (2007)|conflict with Fatah]]. Israel announced that it was suspending the Crossings Agreement.<ref name=strraf/> The Palestinian personnel designated to operate the crossing under the Palestinian Authority could no longer access the site after Hamas seized control of Gaza. Israel opposed reopening the crossing, citing its inability to oversee who was passing through. Egypt kept the border shut as the Crossings Agreement could not be implemented under the new conditions. The European monitoring team also withdrew, in line with the EU's policy of non-engagement with Hamas. Consequently, since June 2007, the crossing has remained closed under the terms of the original agreement. Egypt, although able to open its side, has largely refrained from doing so, effectively aligning with Israel's blockade policy.<ref name=strraf/>

On 12 February 2007, PLO Negotiatior [[Saeb Erekat]] complained in a letter to the Israeli Government and the Head of the EU Mission about Israel, closing the Rafah Crossing Point (RCP) on most days by indirect measures, such as "preventing access by the EU BAM to the RCP through Kerem Shalom".<ref name=letter_urgent_need_2007>[http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/arabs/PalPaper021207.pdf ''February 12, 2007 - Erekat Letter to Pistolese and Dangot Re: Rafah Crossings''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304112033/http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/arabs/PalPaper021207.pdf |date=March 4, 2016 }}. Letter from Saeb Erekat to GoI and EU BAM Rafah, 12 February 2007. [http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/arabs/PalPaperstoc.html Here available]</ref> A 2007 Palestinian background paper mentions the EU concern over crises, "most often caused by the continual Israeli closure of the Crossing".<ref name=ama_background-2007/> On 7 May 2007, the issue of the Israeli closure of Rafah and Kerem as well was raised at a Coordination and Evaluation meeting. The movement of ambulances via Rafah was prohibited. The EU BAM proposed the use of "shuttle" ambulances at the Crossing, requiring two additional transfers of the patients between the ambulances.<ref>[http://www.ajtransparency.com/files/1659.PDF ''NSU Talking Points for EUBAM Rafah 7th CEC Meeting'']{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}. Palestine Papers. [http://www.ajtransparency.com/en/projects/thepalestinepapers/201218225434609233.html Here available]{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

In June 2007, the Rafah Crossing was closed by the Egyptian authorities after [[Battle of Gaza (2007)|Hamas' takeover of the Gaza Strip]]. Due to the lack of security the EU monitors pulled out of the region, and Egypt agreed with Israel to shut down the Rafah Crossing.<ref name=rastogi/> The Fatah-led Palestinian Authority in the West Bank has declared that the Rafah Crossing should remain closed until the control by the [[Palestinian Presidential Guard]] is restored.<ref name=gisha_key/>

===2007 to 2010=== [[File:Road to Gaza 056 - Flickr - Al Jazeera English.jpg|thumb|250px|Passengers waiting at the Rafah Border Crossing in 2009]]

On 22 January 2008, after Israel imposed a total closure on all crossings to the Gaza Strip, a group of Hamas demonstrators attempted to force open the door of the Rafah Crossing. They were beaten back by Egyptian police and gunfire erupted. That same night, Hamas demolished a {{convert|200|metre}} length of the metal border wall with explosives. After the resulting [[2008 breach of the Gaza–Egypt border|Breach of the Gaza-Egypt border]], many thousands of Palestinians, with estimates ranging from 200,000 to 700,000, crossed into Egypt to buy goods.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/947624.html | title = ''At Gaza border with Egypt, masses make reverse exodus into Sinai'' | work = Haaretz | date = 2008-01-25 | archive-date = 2008-01-27 | access-date = 2015-10-11 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080127142341/http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/947624.html | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.radionetherlands.nl/news/international/5615026/UN-fails-to-agree-on-Gaza-statement |title=''UN fails to agree on Gaza statement'' |work=Radio Netherlands Worldwide |date=2008-01-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081018234346/http://www.radionetherlands.nl/news/international/5615026/UN-fails-to-agree-on-Gaza-statement |archive-date=October 18, 2008 }}</ref> Palestinians were seen purchasing food, fuel, cigarettes, shoes, furniture, car parts, and generators.<ref name="WA">{{cite news|title=''Militants blow up Rafah barrier'' |date=2008-01-24 |work=SBS |url=http://news.sbs.com.au/worldnewsaustralia/militants_blow_up_rafah_barrier_538751 |access-date=2008-01-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080219044201/http://news.sbs.com.au/worldnewsaustralia/militants_blow_up_rafah_barrier_538751 |archive-date=February 19, 2008 }}</ref><ref name="Asianews">{{cite news |title=''Egypt blocks Palestinian 'exodus' in Gaza'' |work=AsiaNews |url=http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=11345&size=A |date=2008-01-24 |access-date=2008-01-24 }}</ref> On 3 February 2008, the border was closed again by Egypt, except for travelers returning home.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kershner |first=Isabel |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/04/world/middleeast/04mideast.html?_r=1&em&ex=1202187600&en=e3ebdcac739a1d7a&ei=5087%0A |title=''New York Times: Israeli Defense Minister to Stay in Olmert Coalition'' |location=Israel |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=2008-02-04 |access-date=2011-05-28 |archive-date=2013-10-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005005700/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/04/world/middleeast/04mideast.html?_r=1&em&ex=1202187600&en=e3ebdcac739a1d7a&ei=5087%0A |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 27 June 2009, [[Hamas]] Prime Minister [[Ismail Haniyeh]] proposed a joint Palestinian, Egyptian and European mechanism to keep the Rafah border crossing working permanently. He said: "We welcome the presence of European inspectors, the Egyptians and the Palestinian Presidential Guard in addition to the presence of the (Hamas) government in Gaza".<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090629081623/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/27/content_11612648.htm ''Hamas proposes shared mechanism to operate Rafah crossing'']. Xinhua, 27 June 2009</ref>

According to a 2009 report of [[Gisha (human rights organization)|Gisha]], Israel continued to exercise control over the border through its control of the Palestinian population registry, which determines who is allowed to go through Rafah Crossing. It also had the power to use its right to veto the passage of foreigners, even when belonging to the list of categories of foreigners allowed to cross, and to decide to close the crossing indefinitely. <ref name=gisha_key>[http://www.gisha.org/userfiles/File/publications/Rafah_Report_Eng.pdf ''Rafah Crossing: Who Holds the Keys?''], pp. 23-25, 136, 143-, 160-, 167-, 170- 174-. Noga Kadman, Gisha, March 2009. [http://gisha.org/publication/1639 Here available] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320144608/http://gisha.org/publication/1639 |date=2017-03-20 }}</ref>

Gisha has blamed Israel for keeping the Rafah Crossing closed through indirect means and Egypt for submitting to Israeli pressure and not cooperate with the Hamas government. Hamas, however was blamed for not allowing the Presidential Guard to apply the AMA agreement. The Palestinian Authority was blamed for its refusal to compromise with Hamas over control of Rafah Crossing. The EU monitoring force was criticized for its submission to Israel's demands for closing the border, without calling for re-opening. The US was criticized for allowing human rights violations caused by the closure and avoiding pressure on Egypt.<ref name=gisha_key/>

===2011 to 2013=== The Egyptian government under former President Mubarak had opposed the Hamas administration in Gaza and helped Israel to enforce the blockade.<ref name=bbc_crossing_open_permanently>[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-13240113 ''Gaza-Egypt border crossing to open permanently''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029033943/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-13240113 |date=2018-10-29 }}. BBC, 29 April 2011</ref> Due to the 2011 Egyptian revolution, Mubarak was forced to step down in February 2011. On 27 April, Fatah and Hamas reached [[Fatah–Hamas reconciliation process#May 2011 Cairo Agreement|an agreement in Cairo, mediated by Egypt]] and on 29 April, Egypt announced that the border crossing would be opened on a permanent basis.<ref name=bbc_crossing_open_permanently/> Mahmoud Abbas and Khaled Meshal signed the Cairo agreement on 4 May 2011 and on 28 May, [[Timeline of the Egyptian Crisis under the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces#May|the crossing was re-opened]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110531050110/http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/05/28/egypt.gaza.border.crossing/index.html?hpt=T1 ''Egypt reopens border with Gaza'']. Kevin Flower, CNN, 28 May 2011</ref> Most travel restrictions were dropped, though men between the ages of 18 and 40 entering Egypt must apply for visas and others need travel permits.<ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-13581141 ''Egypt eases blockade at Gaza's Rafah border''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029030827/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-13581141 |date=2018-10-29 }}. BBC, 28 May 2011</ref><ref name=haaretz_pa_consent_gaza_crossing>[https://www.haaretz.com/pa-consent-on-opening-gaza-crossing-led-to-hamas-reconciliation-1.364074 ''PA Consent on Opening Gaza Crossing Led to Hamas Reconciliation''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302025441/http://www.haaretz.com/pa-consent-on-opening-gaza-crossing-led-to-hamas-reconciliation-1.364074 |date=2016-03-02 }}. Jack Khoury, Haaretz, 26 May 2011</ref> Soon after the [[2011 Egyptian revolution|revolution]], Egypt's foreign minister, Nabil el-Araby, opened discussions with Hamas aimed at easing the travel restrictions and improving relations between the two. Even though passenger restrictions were loosened, the shipment into Gaza of goods remains blocked.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/29/world/middleeast/29egypt.html?_r=1&ref=world | work=The New York Times | first=David D. | last=Kirkpatrick | title=''Egypt Reopens Border With Gaza'' | date=2011-05-28}}</ref> In the first five hours after the opening, 340 people crossed into Egypt.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/egypt-permanently-opens-gaza-border-crossing/articleshow/8627077.cms |title=''Egypt permanently opens Gaza border crossing'' |publisher=Economictimes.indiatimes.com |date=2011-05-28 |archive-date=2012-10-24 |access-date=2015-10-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024055213/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/egypt-permanently-opens-gaza-border-crossing/articleshow/8627077.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> Under the Mubarak regime, Egypt vehemently opposed using Hamas guards at Rafah and demanded that the crossing point remain closed until Palestinian Authority personnel were deployed, but now, the crossing would be operated and guarded by Hamas policemen.<ref name=haaretz_pa_consent_gaza_crossing/>

In mid-June 2011 the crossing was closed for several days and after that only a few hundred were allowed to cross each day compared with 'thousands' who applied to cross each day. Egypt reportedly agreed to allow a minimum of 500 people to cross each day.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110608110302/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-06/08/c_13917741.htm ''Rafah crossing reopened after 4 days of Hamas-Egypt rift'']. Xinhua, 8 June 2011</ref>

In July 2013, in the aftermath of the [[2013 Egyptian coup d'état|overthrow]] of [[Mohamed Morsi]], the border crossing was closed for several days by the [[Egyptian Army]]. It was later reopened for four hours each day. After [[August 14th clashes|widespread unrest in Egypt]] and the bloody crackdown on loyalists of ousted President Morsi on 14 August, the border crossing was closed 'indefinitely'.<ref>[http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/08/2013815104352186552.html ''Rafah crossing closed after Egypt violence''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141119080010/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/08/2013815104352186552.html |date=2014-11-19 }}. Al Jazeera, 15 August 2013</ref> Afterwards, it has been opened for a few days every few months.<ref name=alaraby_2015-03-06>[http://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2015/3/6/egypt-wont-open-rafah-crossing-if-hamas-controls-it ''Egypt won't open Rafah crossing if Hamas controls it''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150817164637/http://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2015/3/6/egypt-wont-open-rafah-crossing-if-hamas-controls-it |date=2015-08-17 }}. Dia Khalil, al-Araby, 6 March 2015</ref>

===2013 to 2020=== After the [[2014 Israel–Gaza conflict]], Egypt declared that it was prepared to train forces from the Presidential Guard to man the Rafah Crossing and deploy along the border. Once the forces were ready, Egypt would then open the crossing to full capacity. Egypt mediated a permanent truce between Israel and Hamas, and Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri said that Egypt hoped that this would lead to the creation of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders.<ref>[http://www.timesofisrael.com/egypt-ready-to-train-pa-presidential-guards-to-man-rafah-crossing/ ''‘Egypt ready to train PA presidential guards to man Rafah Crossing’''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928011459/http://www.timesofisrael.com/egypt-ready-to-train-pa-presidential-guards-to-man-rafah-crossing/ |date=2015-09-28 }}. Times of Israel, 3 September 2014</ref> Palestinian factions in Gaza, including Hamas, publicly declared their acceptance of the return of the Presidential Guard and the EU border mission.<ref>[http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/08/hamas-eu-support-open-rafah-crossing.html# ''Palestinians, Europeans support reopening Rafah crossing'']. Daoud Kuttab, Al-Monitor, 20 August 2014</ref>

On 22 January 2015, Egypt closed the border crossing.<ref name=al-ghoul>[http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/03/gaza-islamic-jihad-movement-egypt-court-rafah-crossing.html# ''Can Gaza's Islamic Jihad ease tensions with Egypt?'']. Asmaa al-Ghoul, Al-Monitor, 16 March 2015</ref> In March, it declared that it would only open the border crossing if the Palestinian side is staffed by Palestinian Authority employees under the full authority of the Presidential Guard and no Hamas personnel are present.<ref name=alaraby_2015-03-06/> [[Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine|Palestine Islamic Jihad]] (PIJ) suggested to Egyptian intelligence that PA and Hamas would open the Rafah Crossing under the supervision and in the presence of the PA and the Presidential Guard. Egyptian intelligence and Hamas appeared to agree, but the PA did not respond.<ref name=alaraby_2015-03-06/><ref name=al-ghoul/><ref name=maan_deal>[http://www.maannews.com/Content.aspx?id=759769 ''Deal to open Rafah crossing ′close′''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150802112145/http://www.maannews.com/Content.aspx?id=759769 |date=2015-08-02 }}. Ma'an News Agency, 7 March 2015</ref> Hamas accused Fatah and the PA that they "want to exclude it from political and field landscape by their insisting on the PA monopoly in controlling the crossings and borders".<ref name=alaraby_2015-03-06/> Hamas had agreed to let the Presidential Guard to take charge, as part of a comprehensive plan to merge employees from West Bank and Gaza Strip.<ref name=maan_deal/> Some Hamas followers voiced annoyance about the PIJ initiative, bypassing Hamas, while Egypt did not regard it a terrorist organization unlike Hamas.<ref name=al-ghoul/>

However, Egypt still has occasionally allowed supplies to cross into Gaza via the Rafah Crossing, such as diesel fuel for Gaza's power plant in 2017<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-palestinians-egypt-gaza/egypt-sends-fuel-for-gazas-only-power-plant-as-hamas-links-thaw-idUSKBN19C1PM ''‘Egypt sends fuel for Gaza's only power plant as Hamas links thaw’'']. Reuters, 21 June 2017</ref> and gas in 2018.<ref>[https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/08/gas-egypt-export-gaza-kerem-shalom-crossing-israel-supplies.html ''‘Egypt comes to rescue as Israel cuts off Gaza gas’'']. Al-Monitor, 14 August 2018</ref>

In May 2018, Egyptian authorities opened the crossing, permitting a couple hundred Gazans per day to cross into Egypt. As of July 2019, tens of thousands have reportedly done so, departing to destinations in the [[Arab world]] or [[Turkey]], and some [[European migrant crisis|seeking refuge]] in [[Europe]] (particularly [[Belgium]] and [[Norway]]).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bashir |first1=Abu Bakr |last2=Estrin |first2=Daniel |title='I Want To Get The Hell Out Of Here': Thousands Of Palestinians Are Leaving Gaza |url=https://www.npr.org/2019/07/04/733487137/i-want-to-get-the-hell-out-of-here-thousands-of-palestinians-are-leaving-gaza |website=[[NPR]] |date=4 July 2019 |access-date=5 July 2019 |archive-date=5 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190705014331/https://www.npr.org/2019/07/04/733487137/i-want-to-get-the-hell-out-of-here-thousands-of-palestinians-are-leaving-gaza |url-status=live }}</ref>

In March 2020, Palestinian authorities closed the crossing to limit the spread of the virus that causes [[COVID-19]] to the Gaza Strip.<ref>{{cite news|last=Rasgon|first=Adam|title=Hamas-run Gaza government shuts Egypt crossing to travelers amid virus crisis|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-run-gaza-government-shuts-egypt-crossing-to-travelers-amid-virus-crisis/|access-date=2021-05-15|website=[[The Times of Israel]]|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-03-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308164727/https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-run-gaza-government-shuts-egypt-crossing-to-travelers-amid-virus-crisis/|url-status=live |issn=0040-7909}}</ref>

In early November 2020, Egyptian authorities closed the crossing to vehicles and commodities after monitoring violations by Hamas.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-04|title=Egypt closes Rafah crossing after monitoring violations by Hamas|url=https://arab.news/prwec|access-date=2021-05-15|website=Arab News|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-03|title=Hamas 'transgressions' result in Rafah border crossing closing off to vehicles, commodities|url=https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/1/93835/Hamas-transgressions-result-in-Rafah-border-crossing-closing-off-to|access-date=2021-05-15|website=EgyptToday|archive-date=2021-05-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515192444/https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/1/93835/Hamas-transgressions-result-in-Rafah-border-crossing-closing-off-to|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2021 to 2023=== In February 2021, Egypt opened the crossing "indefinitely" for the first time in years in what was described as an effort to encourage negotiations between Palestinian factions meeting at the time in Cairo.<ref name=Rafahcloses>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/egypt-closes-rafah-border-crossing-to-gaza-strip-report-677450|title=Egypt closes Rafah border crossing to Gaza after Israel-Hamas escalation|date=August 23, 2021|website=The Jerusalem Post &#124; JPost.com|access-date=August 22, 2021|archive-date=August 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822214424/https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/egypt-closes-rafah-border-crossing-to-gaza-strip-report-677450|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Egypt 'indefinitely' opens Rafah border crossing with Gaza Strip |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/2/10/egypt-opens-rafah-border-crossing-with-blockaded-gaza-strip|access-date=2021-05-15|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en}}</ref> The crossing was kept open during and after the 11-day Israel-Hamas conflict in May, delivering aid and construction materials. Egypt closed the crossing on 23 August 2021 following an escalation of cross-border incidents between Israel and Hamas,<ref name=Rafahcloses/> but partially reopened the crossing three days later, allowing traffic from Egypt to Gaza (but not vice versa).<ref>[https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/26/egypt-partially-re-opens-rafah-border-crossing-with-gaza Egypt partially reopens Rafah border crossing with Gaza], Al Jazeera (August 26, 2021).</ref>

===Gaza war=== During the [[Gaza war]], Israel bombed the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing. Egypt subsequently demanded assurances that Israel will not attack aid convoys.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What is the Rafah crossing? Border between Gaza Strip, Egypt closed amid Israel-Hamas war {{!}} abc7chicago.com |url=https://abc7.com/what-is-rafah-crossing-gaza-hamas-border/13944586/ |access-date=2023-12-05 |website=abc7chicago.com |date=20 October 2023 |archive-date=2023-12-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209015558/https://abc7.com/what-is-rafah-crossing-gaza-hamas-border/13944586/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Israel took control of the crossing during the war, and as of July 2025 it is managed by the [[Gaza Division]] of the IDF. [[File:Medical evacuation for injured Palestinians through Rafah crossing, Gaza Strip.jpg|thumb|Medical evacuation of injured Palestinians through the Rafah Crossing in March 2025]] In October 2023 with the start of the [[Gaza war]], the crossing was again effectively sealed. Various sources reported that for several weeks, the Egyptian government had refused to allow either Gazans or foreign nationals to exit Gaza via the Rafah crossing,<ref>Summer Said, [https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/israel-hamas-war-gaza-conflict/card/egypt-denies-passage-of-foreigners-through-rafah-without-aid-agreement-rZAiKSmSU8KjaLANjGkV Egypt Denies Passage of Foreigners Through Rafah Without Aid Agreement], ''Wall Street Journal'' (October 15, 2023).</ref><ref name=Ebrahim>Nadeen Ebrahim, [https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/13/middleeast/egypt-rafah-crossing-gaza-palestinians-mime-intl/index.html The last remaining exit for Gazans is through Egypt. Here's why Cairo is reluctant to open it] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015153058/https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/13/middleeast/egypt-rafah-crossing-gaza-palestinians-mime-intl/index.html |date=2023-10-15 }}, CNN (October 15, 2023).</ref> despite intensive international efforts to secure a window of time for the Rafah crossing to open to foreigners who want to exit the Strip.<ref name=Betts>Anna Betts, [https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/14/world/middleeast/gaza-egypt-border-crossing-israel.html American Citizens Fleeing Gaza Say Border Crossing Still Closed] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015173650/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/14/world/middleeast/gaza-egypt-border-crossing-israel.html |date=2023-10-15 }}, ''New York Times'' (October 14, 2023).</ref><ref name=Pamuk>Humeyra Pamuk, [https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-advises-its-citizens-gaza-move-closer-egypts-rafah-crossing-2023-10-14/ US advises its citizens in Gaza to move closer to Egypt's Rafah crossing] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015114857/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-advises-its-citizens-gaza-move-closer-egypts-rafah-crossing-2023-10-14/ |date=2023-10-15 }}, Reuters (October 14, 2023).</ref><ref>[https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-canadians-gaza-rafah-crossing-update/ Canadians still trapped in Gaza as Rafah-crossing exit agreement falls through] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015231742/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-canadians-gaza-rafah-crossing-update/ |date=2023-10-15 }}, ''Globe & Mail'' (October 15, 2023).</ref> However, the Egyptian government, maintains that it has always kept the Rafah Border Crossing open for humanitarian aid coming in and foreign nationals coming out during the Israel–Hamas war, instead blaming four consecutive Israeli air strikes on the Gazan side for keeping the border crossing closed.<ref>{{cite web |last1=El-Gundy |first1=Zeinab |title=Egypt refutes Israeli claims over Rafah crossing |url=https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/1234/515635/Egypt/Foreign-Affairs/Egypt-refutes-Israeli-claims-over-Rafah-crossing;.aspx |publisher=[[Ahram Online]] |access-date=11 February 2024 |date=14 January 2024 |archive-date=15 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215100519/https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/1234/515635/Egypt/Foreign-Affairs/Egypt-refutes-Israeli-claims-over-Rafah-crossing;.aspx |url-status=live }} {{cite web |title=Egypt refutes responsibility for Rafah border closure |url=https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/1234/510653/Egypt/Foreign-Affairs/Egypt-refutes-responsibility-for-Rafah-border-clos.aspx |publisher=[[Ahram Online]] |access-date=11 February 2024 |date=20 October 2023 |archive-date=15 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215100518/https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/1234/510653/Egypt/Foreign-Affairs/Egypt-refutes-responsibility-for-Rafah-border-clos.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Ebrahim/> On 21 October, the border opened for [[humanitarian aid]] to enter Gaza.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Camut |first=Nicolas |date=2023-10-21 |title=Aid enters Gaza as Rafah border crossing opens |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/aid-enter-gaza-rafah-border-crossing-open/ |access-date=2023-10-21 |website=POLITICO |language=en}}</ref> On 1 November 2023, a limited number of foreign nationals and wounded began being allowed to use the crossing to exit Gaza.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-01 |title=At least 320 foreign nationals and some wounded leave Gaza for Egypt |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/egypt-prepares-evacuees-gaza-arrive-through-rafah-crossing-2023-11-01/ |access-date=2023-11-03 |website=REUTERS |language=en |archive-date=2023-11-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107042318/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/egypt-prepares-evacuees-gaza-arrive-through-rafah-crossing-2023-11-01 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The crossing was seized by Israel in 2024 during the [[Rafah offensive]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alghoul |first=Fares |title=Israel's Troops Take Control of Rafah Border Crossing in Gaza |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-05-07/israel-raid-closes-rafah-border-crossing-in-gaza-hamas-says |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=Bloomberg |archive-date=2024-05-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507154456/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-05-07/israel-raid-closes-rafah-border-crossing-in-gaza-hamas-says |url-status=live }}</ref> In response Egypt closed off the crossing and rejected an Israeli proposal to coordinate the reopening of the Rafah border crossing insisting that the crossing should be managed only by Palestinian authorities.<ref>{{cite web |title=IRAN UPDATE, MAY 16, 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-may-16-2024 |website=[[Institute for the Study of War]] |access-date=17 May 2024 |archive-date=17 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517023547/https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-may-16-2024 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== January 2025 Gaza war ceasefire ==== Under the [[January 2025 Gaza war ceasefire]] agreement, arrangements were outlined for the Rafah Border Crossing, which at the time was under Israeli control and was to remain so until the end of the first phase. Once all female Israeli captives (both civilians and soldiers) had been released, preparations were to begin to enable the movement of civilians and the wounded through the crossing, in coordination with Egypt.<ref name=timtxt>{{cite web | last1=Karmel | first1=Ariela | last2=Sokol | first2=Sam | last3=Berman | first3=Lazar | last4=Magid | first4=Jacob | last5=Fabian | first5=Emanuel | last6=Magid | first6=Jacob | last7=Freiberg | first7=Nava | title=Text of the hostage-ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas | website=The Times of Israel | date=2025-01-16 | url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/full-text-of-the-hostage-ceasefire-agreement-reached-between-israel-and-hamas/ | access-date=2025-10-10}}</ref><ref name=meetxt>{{cite web | title=Israel-Gaza ceasefire: Full text of agreement | website=Middle East Eye | date=2025-01-15 | url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-gaza-ceasefire-full-text-agreement | access-date=2025-10-10}}</ref> Initially, the crossing was to be used for: *Palestinian civilians who were sick or injured and needed medical treatment in Egypt. *Up to 50 wounded Palestinian fighters each day, each allowed to be accompanied by up to three people, with passage contingent on approval from both Israel and Egypt.<ref name=timtxt/><ref name=meetxt/> Israel was to begin preparing the crossing for operation once the agreement was signed and to adjust its military positions in the surrounding area in accordance with the attached maps. The crossing was to function under the procedures agreed with Egypt in August 2024. Israeli troops were to withdraw from the Rafah crossing and the [[Philadelphi Corridor]] along the Egyptian border by day 50.<ref name=timtxt/><ref name=meetxt/>

==== October 2025 Gaza peace plan ==== The reopening of the Rafah crossing in both directions as part of the [[Gaza war peace plan]] will follow the procedures established under the [[January 2025 Gaza war ceasefire|January 19, 2025, agreement]].<ref name=reatru>{{Cite web |date=September 30, 2025 |title=Read Trump's 20-point proposal to end the war in Gaza |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/read-trumps-20-point-proposal-to-end-the-war-in-gaza |access-date=September 30, 2025 |website=PBS |language=en}}</ref> Italy announced that the EU mission stationed at the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will resume operations after the ceasefire, with the pedestrian passage scheduled to reopen on October 14.<ref name=eumonp>{{cite web | last1=Silkoff | first1=Shira | last2=Fabian | first2=Emanuel | last3=Yohanan | first3=Nurit | last4=Magid | first4=Jacob | last5=Fabian | first5=Emanuel | title=EU-monitored pedestrian crossing on Gaza-Egypt border to reopen next week, Italy announces | website=The Times of Israel | date=2025-10-10 | url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/eu-monitored-pedestrian-crossing-on-gaza-egypt-border-to-reopen-next-week-italy-announces/ | access-date=2025-10-10}}</ref> The [[European Union Border Assistance Mission to Rafah|EUBAM monitoring mission]], which includes police officers from Italy, Spain, and France, is designed to serve as a neutral third-party presence at the Rafah crossing.<ref name=eumonp/> Originally established in 2005, the mission was suspended two years later before being redeployed in January 2025, though operations were again halted in March. In contrast to the arrangement announced in January, when the EU described the mission’s main purpose as coordinating and assisting the daily transfer of up to 300 injured or sick people, Italian defense minister [[Guido Crosetto]] stated that the new plan would allow anyone to cross, subject to the mutual consent of Israel and Egypt.<ref name=eumonp/>

On 12 October, trucks were observed entering Gaza through the Rafah crossing as humanitarian organisations worked to expand aid delivery to the war-torn territory.<ref>{{cite web | title=Gaza live: Aid trucks cross Rafah border as Egypt prepares to host peace summit | website=France 24 | date=2025-10-12 | url=https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20251012-gaza-live-aid-trucks-rafah-crossing-egypt-prepares-host-gaza-peace-summit | access-date=2025-10-12}}</ref> Israel closed the crossing again on 14 October after Hamas failed to return the bodies of several hostages. Hamas had earlier stated that locating the remains could take time, as many burial sites were still unknown amid the extensive destruction in Gaza.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://www.marketscreener.com/news/gaza-s-rafah-border-crossing-will-remain-closed-through-wednesday-israel-says-ce7d5ad9d18ff021|title=Gaza's Rafah border crossing will remain closed through Wednesday, Israel says|date=14 October 2025|publisher=MarketScreener|agency=[[Reuters]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Israel delays Rafah crossing reopening as Gaza awaits much-needed aid surge | website=Al Jazeera | date=2025-10-16 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/16/israel-delays-rafah-crossing-reopening-as-gaza-awaits-much-needed-aid-surge | access-date=2025-10-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last1=Berman | first1=Lazar | last2=Magid | first2=Jacob | last3=Yohanan | first3=Nurit | last4=Berman | first4=Lazar | title=Israel says preparing to open Rafah crossing, with date to be announced later | website=The Times of Israel | date=2025-10-16 | url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-says-preparing-to-open-rafah-crossing-with-date-to-be-announced-later/ | access-date=2025-10-17}}</ref>

The Rafah border crossing also remained closed to people seeking to leave Gaza. After the ceasefire began in October 2025, the [[World Health Organization]] estimated that around 15,000 patients required urgent medical evacuation. While the first transfers took place through the [[Kerem Shalom crossing]], the WHO urged the reopening of Rafah to enable further evacuations.<ref>{{cite web | last=Knell | first=Yolande | title=Gaza children dying as they wait for Israel to enable evacuations | website=BBC Home | date=2025-10-25 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cze61zg7zzpo | access-date=2025-10-25}}</ref>

In late January 2026, Israel announced that the reopening of the Rafah border crossing on Sunday, 1 February,<ref>{{cite web | last1=Fabian | first1=Emanuel | last2=Fabian | first2=Emanuel | last3=Lehmann | first3=Noam | last4=Fabian | first4=Emanuel | title=Israel confirms Gaza's Rafah Crossing will reopen Sunday to pedestrians in both directions | website=The Times of Israel | date=2026-01-30 | url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-confirms-gazas-rafah-crossing-will-reopen-sunday-in-both-directions/ | access-date=2026-01-31}}</ref> under the October 2025 Gaza peace plan would be conditional and limited. The move was linked to the completion of a military operation to recover the remains of the last Israeli hostage, [[Ran Gvili]].<ref>{{Cite web|title= Israel to reopen Gaza's Rafah crossing after search for last hostage body ends|url= https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-reopen-rafah-crossing-after-search-last-hostage-body-ends-2026-01-25/|website=Reuters|date=26 January 2026|last1=Tolba|first1=Ahmed|last2=Maher|first2=Hatem|access-date=29 January 2026}}</ref> Israeli officials stated that any initial reopening would allow pedestrian passage only and would remain subject to Israeli security oversight, despite earlier statements by Palestinian officials indicating the crossing could reopen soon.<ref>{{Cite web|title= Gaza's Rafah crossing with Egypt to open next week, Palestinian official says|url= https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gazas-rafah-crossing-with-egypt-open-next-week-palestinian-official-says-2026-01-22/|website=Reuters|date=22 January 2026|last1=Holland|first1=Steven|last2=Ayyub|first2=Rami|last3=Abdallah|first3=Nayera|access-date=29 January 2026}}</ref> Discussions surrounding the arrangement included the possible deployment of Palestinian Authority personnel at the crossing and monitoring by [[European Union]] observers, though Israel retained effective control over access and security procedures.<ref>{{Cite web|title= Exclusive: Israel aims to ensure more Palestinians are let out of Gaza than back in|url= https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-aims-ensure-more-palestinians-are-let-out-gaza-than-back-2026-01-23/|website=Reuters|date=24 January 2026|last=Cornwell|first=Alexander|access-date=29 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-25 |title=Israel launches 'large-scale operation' to locate last hostage in Gaza |url=https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-hamas-palestinians-hostage-gvili-d57a28eb5371785588d4b955f9dd2a46 |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> On 2 February 2026, the crossing was reopened.<ref>{{#invoke:Cite|web|title=Palestinians allowed in to Gaza and patients are evacuated to Egypt as the Rafah crossing reopens|url=https://apnews.com/article/rafah-gaza-israel-palestinians-egypt-crossing-b78d6a15790148a697634cd303c3b5a9|website=Associated Press|date=2 February 2026|access-date=2 February 2026}}</ref>

==== February 2026 Iran war ==== Israel closed the Rafah crossing after the [[2026 Iran war|war with Iran]] began on 28 February, stating that it was unsafe to keep the crossings open.<ref>{{cite web | last=Fabian | first=Emanuel | title=Rafah Crossing between Gaza and Egypt reopens for first time since start of Iran war | website=The Times of Israel | date=2026-03-19 | url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/rafah-crossing-between-gaza-and-egypt-reopens-for-first-time-since-start-of-iran-war/ | access-date=2026-03-24}}</ref> The crossing was briefly reopened on 19 March for limited Palestinian movement under tight restrictions.<ref>{{cite web | title=Israel reopens Rafah crossing for limited Palestinian movement after 20-day closure | website=Middle East Monitor | date=2026-03-19 | url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20260319-israel-reopens-rafah-crossing-for-limited-palestinian-movement-after-20-day-closure/ | access-date=2026-03-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Palestine weekly wrap: West Bank attacks surge, Israel restricts Gaza aid | website=Al Jazeera | date=2026-03-24 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/24/amid-muted-eid-celebrations-violence-surges-across-the-west-bank | access-date=2026-03-24}}</ref>

== Statistics ==

After the Israeli disengagement in 2005, the monthly average number of entries and exits through Rafah Crossing reached about 40,000, with a total of about 270,000 people who crossed the border.<ref name=isreur>{{cite web | title=The Israeli European Policy Network - Renewing the Middle East: Climate Changes in Security and Energy and the New Challenges for EU-Israel Relations | url=https://www.macro.org.il/images/upload/items/64115660110930.pdf | access-date=2025-08-07}}</ref> After the capture of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in June 2006, the crossing was closed 76% of the time and after Hamas' takeover of the Gaza Strip it was closed permanently except for infrequent limited openings by Egypt.<ref name=gisha_stats/>

From June 2010 to January 2011, the monthly average number of exits and entries through Rafah reached 19,000. After May 2011, when Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak was replaced with Mohamed Morsi, the number grew to 40,000 per month. When Morsi was deposed by the army in July 2013, the Crossing was again almost completely shut down.

In August 2014, for the first time since the start of the Gaza blockade in 2007 Egypt allowed the United Nations [[World Food Programme]] (WFP) to bring food through the Rafah crossing. It provided food to feed around 150,000 people for 5 days.<ref>[https://www.wfp.org/news/news-release/wfp-humanitarian-convoy-delivers-food-gaza-through-egypt%E2%80%99s-rafah-crossing ''WFP Humanitarian Convoy Delivers Food To Gaza Through Egypt's Rafah Crossing''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117221153/http://www.wfp.org/news/news-release/wfp-humanitarian-convoy-delivers-food-gaza-through-egypt%E2%80%99s-rafah-crossing |date=2015-11-17 }}. WFP, 27 August 2014</ref> In 2014, an average of 8,119 exits and entries of people were recorded at the crossing monthly. In September 2015, it was circa 3,300, while the Gaza population numbered 1.8 million people.<ref name=gisha_stats>[http://gisha.org/graph/2399 ''Movement of people via Rafah Crossing''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412063148/http://gisha.org/graph/2399 |date=2016-04-12 }}. Gisha, accessed October 2015</ref> Between 24 October 2014 and September 2015, the crossing had been opened for only 34 days.<ref>[http://www.ochaopt.org/documents/gaza_crossings_operations_status_september%202015.pdf ''Gaza crossings’ operations status:monthly update''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151028021327/http://www.ochaopt.org/documents/gaza_crossings_operations_status_september%202015.pdf |date=2015-10-28 }}. OCHAoPt, September 2015. [http://gaza.ochaopt.org/2015/09/gaza-crossings-operations-status-monthly-update-july-2015/ Here available] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016210132/http://gaza.ochaopt.org/2015/09/gaza-crossings-operations-status-monthly-update-july-2015/ |date=2015-10-16 }}</ref>

From 2018 until 2023, goods regularly entered Gaza from Egypt via the Rafah crossing.<ref name="Oct2022">[https://www.un.org/unispal/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/OCHAGAZAMAUPDATE_161122.pdf Movement in and out of Gaza: update covering October 2022], United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.</ref> In October 2022, about 49% of goods that were entering Gaza entered from Egypt via Rafah, while the other 51% of goods entered Gaza via Israel.<ref name="Oct2022" /> About three-quarters of goods imported via Rafah consisted of construction materials, while much of the remaining one-quarter was food.<ref name="Oct2022" />

== See also == {{commons category}} *[[Gaza–Israel barrier]] *[[Kerem Shalom border crossing]] *[[Egypt–Palestine relations]]

==References== {{reflist|30em}}

== External links == *[http://gisha.org/graph/2399 ''Movement of people via Rafah Crossing''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412063148/http://gisha.org/graph/2399 |date=2016-04-12 }}. Statistics from [[Gisha (human rights organization)|Gisha]] *[https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/middle-east/24222-gaza-tourism-companies-call-on-sisi-to-open-rafah-crossing ''Gaza tourism companies call on Sisi to open Rafah crossing''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307110840/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/middle-east/24222-gaza-tourism-companies-call-on-sisi-to-open-rafah-crossing |date=2016-03-07 }}. MEMO, 29 February 2016

{{Foreign relations of Egypt}} {{Foreign relations of Palestine}} {{Foreign relations of Israel}} {{Israeli border crossings}}

[[Category:Egypt–Gaza Strip border crossings]] [[Category:Buildings and structures in Rafah]] [[Category:Rafah, Egypt]] [[Category:Border crossings of divided cities]] [[Category:Rafah in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict]] [[Category:1979 establishments in Palestine]] [[Category:1979 establishments in Egypt]] [[Category:Transport infrastructure completed in 1979]]