Al Jazeera has reported that Israel has introduced a new plan to manage and control Gaza’s Rafah crossing, adding multiple layers of security and approval procedures. The proposed system will impose stricter surveillance on both entry and exit. Only residents who left Gaza during the war, representatives of the Palestinian Authority, and a limited number of humanitarian workers will be eligible to enter. Their names must be registered, reviewed by Egypt, and approved by Israel’s Shin Bet before passing through checkpoints managed by the Palestinian Authority and the European Union. Travelers will then undergo body searches, X-ray screening, and biometric verification at Israeli-controlled posts before crossing the ‘yellow line.’

The report adds that exiting Gaza will be relatively easier, prioritizing patients needing medical treatment abroad. Departing individuals will also require registration and Shin Bet approval through Egypt. Israeli officials will use facial recognition software from a command center to open gates for approved travelers. Gaza’s media office director, Ismail al-Thawabta, said around 80,000 Palestinians displaced during the conflict wish to return, while about 22,000 injured or ill people urgently need to travel for treatment.