Israel to Reopen Rafah Border Crossing Closed Since War with Iran

Israel is set to reopen the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt for limited civilian movement. The crossing has been shuttered since the onset of Israel’s war with Iran.

According to CNN on Monday 16 March 2026, the Coordinator for Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) announced that the border crossing would reopen on Wednesday 18 March in both directions whilst maintaining “necessary security restrictions” on civilian traffic.

After remaining closed for nearly two years, the crossing had been opened for only one month when COGAT announced the total closure of all Gaza border crossings at the war’s outset. Prior to the conflict, Rafah had been briefly reopened in early February for emergency medical care and to allow some civilians to return to Gaza.

However, the announcement does not clarify whether the number of Palestinians permitted to cross would remain the same or would be further reduced. On 2 March, COGAT announced that the Kerem Shalom crossing would reopen to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, whilst Rafah remained shuttered.