Israel has decided to partially reopen the Rafah border crossing between the war-torn Gaza Strip and Egypt after a prolonged closure. Israeli authorities announced that starting Sunday, the crossing will allow limited movement of people following sustained pressure from humanitarian organizations. The reopening comes even as violence continues in Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes on Saturday reportedly killed dozens, according to Gaza’s Civil Defense. The Israeli military said the strikes were in response to ceasefire violations.

The Rafah crossing is a vital entry and exit point for Gaza’s residents and humanitarian aid. It was seized by Israeli forces in May 2024 during the ongoing conflict with Hamas and has remained mostly closed since then, except for a brief reopening in early 2025. Israel had previously stated it would not reopen the crossing until the body of its last hostage, Ran Givili, was recovered; his remains were found and buried earlier this week.

According to Israel’s COGAT agency, the crossing will reopen under EU supervision and coordination with Egypt, though the number of people allowed to cross remains unclear.