The opening of the crossing is part of the 20-point plan outlined by U.S. President Donald Trump, which established the current cease-fire. The plan states that “distribution of aid will be carried out through the UN and its agencies, the Red Crescent and additional international bodies unaffiliated with either side. The opening of the Rafah crossing in both directions will follow that same mechanism.”
Until now, Israel had refused to open the crossing because not all the bodies of the hostages had been returned. But two days after a phone call between Netanyahu and Trump, the prime minister decided to approve limited opening of the crossing — only for residents exiting Gaza, as a signal of Israel’s commitment to the agreement. The daily quota of departures will be determined with Egypt in the coming days.