Thu Jan 01 11:11:42 UTC 2026: News Article:

Israel to Reopen Rafah Crossing Amid US Pressure After Months of Closure

Gaza Strip – Israel is reportedly preparing to reopen the Rafah crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt in both directions, potentially ending months of restricted access that have choked the flow of vital humanitarian aid into the besieged territory. Israeli media outlet Kan 11 news reported the anticipated decision follows pressure from US President Donald Trump.

The Rafah crossing, long a crucial lifeline for Palestinians in Gaza, was seized by Israeli forces in May, effectively severing the territory’s main connection to the outside world. The move resulted in the destruction of the crossing’s buildings, halted travel, and exacerbated the humanitarian crisis within Gaza.

The reported reopening comes amid growing international concern over the dire situation in Gaza. A joint statement from the foreign ministers of Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and the United Arab Emirates in December expressed “deep concern” and “complete rejection of any attempts to displace the Palestinian people from their land”, after Israel’s Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) announced that the “Rafah Crossing will open in the coming days exclusively for the exit of residents from the Gaza Strip to Egypt”.

While discussions about reopening the crossing had reportedly been ongoing before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent visit to the United States, the final decision was said to be postponed. According to Kan news, a US source believes the announcement will be made in the coming days.

Netanyahu’s trip to the US saw Trump praising him as a “hero”, with the US President claiming Israel had “lived up to the plan 100 percent” in reference to his administration’s peace plan. However, reports suggest that US officials are becoming increasingly frustrated with Netanyahu’s perceived “slow walking” of the 20-point ceasefire plan, raising concerns that the Israeli prime minister may be seeking to retain the option of resuming military action against Hamas at a time of his choosing.

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