The Rafah border crossing, closed for a long period due to Israel’s offensive and the war with Hamas, is set to reopen next week. The announcement came from a leader of the Palestinian technocrat administration in Washington, following discussions at the Peace Board. Palestinian technocrat leader Ali Shath stated via video link from Davos, Switzerland, that the crossing will open in both directions, describing it as Gaza’s lifeline and a symbol of hope and opportunity for its people.

Shath added that reopening Rafah signals a shift away from the policy of keeping Gaza completely sealed off. The decision follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s initiative to establish a Peace Board aimed at ensuring a lasting ceasefire in Gaza. One of the key conditions of the ceasefire, brokered by Trump in October, was the reopening of Gaza’s main entry points.

Since 2024, Israel has controlled the Rafah crossing, but no immediate comment was available from Israeli authorities. More than half of Gaza remains under Israeli control, including the area around the crossing, while the rest is under Hamas control.