Israeli media say Israel plans to reopen the Rafah crossing with Egypt in both directions after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returns from the U.S., reportedly under pressure from President Donald Trump. The crossing was occupied by Israeli forces in May 2024 — the first direct control in 20 years — which damaged facilities and worsened a humanitarian crisis. The reopening was part of a U.S. 20-point plan, but Israel has continued to restrict aid and previously announced a one-way exit-only opening. Regional diplomats have voiced deep concern, while some U.S. officials worry Israel may be delaying full implementation.
Israel Reportedly Preparing To Reopen Rafah Crossing After U.S. Pressure — Netanyahu’s Return Seen As Trigger
General view of the Rafah border crossing on October 9, 2025, in Rafah, Egypt [File: Ali Moustafa/Getty]
Israeli media report that Israel is preparing to reopen the Rafah crossing on the Gaza–Egypt border in both directions once Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returns from a visit to the United States, a move the reports say follows pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump.
What Israeli Media Are Reporting
Kan 11 and other outlets said the anticipated decision comes after intense U.S. diplomatic pressure. An unnamed U.S. source told Israeli media that an official announcement about reopening the crossing could come within days.
Background: Occupation, Damage and Humanitarian Impact
In May 2024 Israeli forces occupied the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing, demolished buildings there, halted travel and triggered a severe humanitarian crisis — especially affecting patients who rely on travel for medical treatment. The May operation marked the first time in 20 years that Israeli troops directly controlled the crossing; soldiers were deployed across a buffer zone along the Philadelphi Corridor and remain positioned there.
The U.S. 20-Point Plan And Prior Announcements
The two-way reopening of Rafah was included in the first phase of a U.S. 20-point plan announced in October, which called for increased humanitarian access into Gaza and the opening of the border for two-way movement. Despite that element of the plan, Israeli authorities have continued to restrict aid deliveries.
In December, Israel’s Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) said the Rafah crossing would open "in the coming days exclusively for the exit of residents from the Gaza Strip to Egypt." That limited, one-way opening prompted alarm among regional mediators.
Regional Reaction
"We express deep concern and completely reject any attempts to displace the Palestinian people from their land," read a joint statement from the foreign ministers of Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates.
U.S.–Israel Dynamics
Israeli media reported that talks about reopening Rafah in both directions took place before Mr. Netanyahu’s meetings in the U.S., but the decision was postponed until after his return. During Netanyahu’s visit, President Trump publicly praised him as a "hero" and said Israel had "lived up to the plan 100 percent," comments that underline close U.S.–Israeli coordination but also draw scrutiny.
At the same time, some U.S. officials have reportedly become frustrated with what they describe as Netanyahu "slow-walking" the implementation of the 20-point ceasefire plan, worrying that delays may preserve Israel’s option to resume hostilities against Hamas at a time of its choosing.
Humanitarian Concerns And What To Watch Next
Reopening Rafah in both directions would be a critical step for humanitarian access, allowing both aid deliveries and the movement of people, including patients seeking medical care outside Gaza. Key questions remain: the scope and duration of the opening, security arrangements, the volume of aid permitted, and how regional and international actors will respond.
Developing story: Officials in Israel, Egypt and the United States are expected to clarify the details in the coming days.
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