Israel will reopen Gaza's Rafah crossing for pedestrian travel only after concluding a high-stakes search for the remains of police officer Ran Gvili, the last Israeli hostage unaccounted for in Gaza. The move comes as part of phased negotiations under former U.S. President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan, initially brokered in October 2025.
🔍 Israeli forces are currently scouring northern Gaza following 'several intelligence leads' about Gvili's location. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed the crossing – Gaza's sole functional exit for 2 million residents – will open once this 'targeted operation' concludes.
⚖️ The reopening conditions reflect ongoing tensions: Israel demands Hamas return all hostages (living and deceased) and maintain '100% effort' in recovery operations. While 2025's ceasefire agreement initially promised earlier access, disputes over these terms delayed progress.
🌐 Under Trump's plan now entering Phase Two, Israel is expected to withdraw troops further from Gaza while Hamas relinquishes administrative control. However, recent leaks suggest Israel aims to limit Palestinian entries through Rafah to prioritize departures.
🚧 With Gaza's side of Rafah under Israeli military control since 2024, the pedestrian reopening will include full Israeli inspections. U.S.-backed transitional committee head Ali Shaath had projected the crossing would open this week, but timelines remain hostage to the search's outcome.
