Tuesday, January 27, 2026-Israel has announced it will allow a limited reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, but only after completing its operation to locate and recover the body of the last remaining Israeli hostage in Gaza.
Israeli officials confirmed that Master Sgt. Ran Gvili is the final unaccounted-for hostage from the October 7, 2023 attacks, with all other hostages, living and deceased, already returned. Access will be strictly limited and initially open only for pedestrian movement, under full Israeli inspection and control.
The Rafah crossing, the main gateway for Gazans to Egypt and a crucial route for humanitarian aid, travel, and economic activity has been closed under Israeli control since 2024.
The decision to allow conditional reopening comes amid pressure from international mediators and diplomats, including U.S. envoys, to restore access to Gaza under ceasefire-related agreements. Israeli authorities emphasized that locating Gvili’s body is essential before any reopening can occur, with search operations ongoing based on intelligence leads.
Meanwhile, Gaza residents and local leaders are urging faster progress, highlighting the humanitarian urgency tied to the crossing’s closure. With over two million people relying on external aid and access for basic supplies, even a limited reopening is considered a meaningful step. Regional and global actors continue pressing for practical, expanded access once the final operational milestone is achieved.
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