Israel announced on Monday that it will reopen the Rafah border crossing with Egypt on a limited basis following the recovery of the last hostage’s body in Gaza. The Rafah crossing, a key route for humanitarian aid into Gaza, will initially allow only pedestrian movement under full Israeli inspection. The reopening decision follows U.S. pressure within the framework of the October ceasefire agreement and will take effect once all living hostages are returned and the bodies of the deceased are identified and repatriated.

Gaza administrator Ali Shaath said the crossing will open this week for limited two-way movement, describing Rafah as a lifeline for Palestinians. Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeida stated that information about the hostage’s body had been shared with mediators, guiding Israel’s search. The family of the recovered hostage, Ran Givili, opposed the reopening plan, demanding his return first.

The 2023 Hamas attack killed 1,221 people in Israel, while Israeli counterstrikes devastated Gaza, displacing millions and causing over 70,000 deaths, according to Gaza authorities.