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Israel says it is readying to eventually open Rafah crossing to civilian traffic

16 October 2025 12:46 (UTC +04:00)

The Defense Ministry’s COGAT unit says preparations are ongoing with Egypt to open the Rafah border crossing with Gaza for the movement of people on a date to be announced later, APA reports, citing Times of Israel.

Israel had earlier warned it could keep Rafah shut and reduce aid into the Palestinian enclave due to Hamas failing to return the bodies of dead hostages. The terror group has so far transferred the bodies of nine hostages, out of 28 held in Gaza.

COGAT, which oversees aid flows into the Gaza Strip, says humanitarian aid is entering the territory via the Kerem Shalom crossing with Israel and at other crossings.

“It should be emphasized that humanitarian aid will not pass through the Rafah crossing. This was never agreed upon at any stage,” COGAT adds in a statement sent to Reuters.

Two sources had told Reuters on Wednesday that the Rafah crossing was expected to open for people on Thursday. The crossing is the only portal between the Strip and Egypt.