Trial Operations Commence at Rafah
Crossing with Gaza Strip

Gaza, 1 Feb 2026 (ONA) — Trial
operations have begun at the Rafah land border crossing with Egypt, initiating
a tentative reopening after more than a year and a half of near-total closure.

Shadi Othman, Media Officer at the
European Union office in Jerusalem, clarified that the crossing will undergo
“trial operations” today, aimed at facilitating the movement of
Palestinians to and from the Gaza Strip.

He affirmed that “the
fundamental objective at this stage is to ensure the crossing is opened
bidirectionally, permitting the smooth transit of residents.”

He emphasized that the legal
foundation for the European Union’s mission at the Rafah crossing is anchored
in prior agreements, specifically the “2005 Agreement,” and that the EU’s
role is concentrated on monitoring to guarantee the implementation of
established standards. He noted the European Union’s previous presence during
earlier openings of the crossing, particularly in the first truce period which
allowed a number of citizens to depart the territory.

On 7 May 2024, the Israeli occupying
military advanced into the Rafah crossing from the Palestinian side and imposed
a complete closure, resulting in the suspension of all passenger transit and
the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.

— Ends/Khalid