Israel and Egypt Launch Test Reopening of Rafah Crossing Under Trump Peace Plan

Image Credentials: Image Title: Israel and Egypt Launch Test Reopening of Rafah Crossing Under Trump Peace Plan Source: (sora.openai) Date: January 2026. Attribution: This image was created using AI-generated imagery (sora.openai) and does not depict a real-world scene.

By Open Chronicle News Desk

RAFAH, GAZA BORDER – In a significant step toward regional stabilization, Israel and Egypt conducted a successful test reopening of the Rafah Crossing on Sunday. The move marks the first time the vital border artery has been operational for pedestrian traffic since May 2024, signaling a new phase in the post-conflict management of the Gaza Strip.

The reopening is a direct result of President Donald Trump’s “20-point peace plan,” which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed last week. Under the agreement, the crossing will officially begin processing residents on Monday morning, albeit under strict security protocols.

Controlled Movement and Intelligence Clearance

The Israel Defense Forces’ Coordinator for Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) announced that the facility will initially operate at a limited capacity.

• Daily Quota: Roughly 150 people per day will be permitted to cross.

• Logistics: Travelers will be transported via organized buses and must undergo full security clearance by Israeli intelligence.

• Supervision: Security for the operation will be managed by Israeli forces in coordination with Egypt, with oversight from a European Union mission.

“The Rafah crossing has reopened for the movement of people only,” COGAT stated on Sunday. “Today, a pilot is underway to test and assess the operation… movement in both directions is expected to begin tomorrow.”

Conditions of the Accord

The Prime Minister’s Office emphasized that the reopening was contingent on two major factors: the return of all living hostages and a “100 percent effort” by Hamas to recover the remains of deceased captives. The announcement follows the emotional homecoming and burial of Staff Sgt. Ran Gvili, the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza, whose remains were recovered on January 26.

Access to Gaza for residents currently in Egypt will be strictly limited to those who left during the war and have received prior security vetting from Israel.

A New Regional Dynamic

U.S. envoys have praised the coordination between Jerusalem and Cairo, viewing it as a “new day in the Middle East.” However, the administration has warned Hamas of “serious consequences” should there be any breach of the security mechanisms currently in place.

As the first buses prepare to roll across the border on Monday, the international community is watching closely to see if this “limited reopening” can serve as a blueprint for a broader, more permanent humanitarian corridor.