Breaking Update
Israel to Reopen Gaza’s Rafah Crossing to Egypt on Wednesday
Israel will reopen Gaza's Rafah Crossing to Egypt on Wednesday, March 18, for limited movement of people, following a security assessment.
Jerusalem, 16 March, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The Israeli agency COGAT (Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories: Judea and Samaria and towards the Gaza Strip) reported that the Rafah Crossing, which connects Gaza to Egypt, will reopen for Movement in both directions starting this coming Wednesday (March 18), for limited movement of people only.
The crossing was closed due to security concerns as Iran continues to launch missiles at Israel.
The decision, said COGAT, was made following a security assessment and an examination of the conditions enabling the resumption of operations at the crossing, while “maintaining the necessary security restrictions in light of the security situation and the threats in the area.”
The operation of the crossing will be carried out in accordance with the mechanism that was in place prior to its closure, and subject to the relevant security directives.
Accordingly, added COGAT, the exit and entry of residents through the Rafah Crossing will be facilitated in coordination with Egypt, following prior security approval by Israel and under the supervision of the European Union mission. In addition, further screening and identification procedures will be conducted at the “Regavim” route, operated by the defense establishment in the area under IDF (Israel Defense Forces) control, as part of the required security arrangements.
