Israel-Rafah Crossing/Reopening
Israel-Rafah Crossing/Reopening
Dateline : March 16/15, 2026/File
Location : Various
Duration : 0'55
Beijing, China - March 16, 2026 (CCTV Video News Agency - No access Chinese mainland)
1. Screenshot of social media post of Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in Territories (COGAT) on Rafah crossing
FILE: Gaza Strip - 2026 (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland)
2. Various of Rafah crossing point, flags of Palestine
FILE: Rafah border crossing, Egypt - Feb 1, 2025 (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland)
3. Various of Rafah border crossing, people
FILE: Rafah border crossing, Egypt - Aug 6, 2025 (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland)
4. Various of Rafah border crossing, people, vehicles
Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) on Sunday said in a statement that it will reopen the Rafah Crossing, a main lifeline for residents in the Gaza Strip, on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the land crossing will reopen in both directions for limited movement of people only.
COGAT said that the reopening decision 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."
It added that the crossing will be operated in accordance with the mechanism that was in place prior to its closure. The passing of residents through the 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 by Israel, COGAT said.
Located on the border between southern Gaza and Egypt, the Rafah crossing is crucial for humanitarian aid to Gaza. It has been mostly closed since the Israeli armed forces took control of the Gazan side in May 2024, cutting Gaza off from the outside world and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
The crossing's limited operation resumed on Feb 2 under the latest ceasefire agreement which took effect on Oct 10, 2025.
On Feb 28, following the launch of the U.S.-Israeli attack against Iran, COGAT announced the closure of all crossings into Gaza, including Rafah, for security reasons.
ID : 8470421
Published : 2026-03-16 09:29
Last Modified : 2026-03-16 18:20:15
Source : CCTV Video News Agency,China Global Television Network (CGTN)
Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland
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