The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will remain closed indefinitely, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Saturday. He said its reopening depends on Hamas returning the bodies of deceased Israeli hostages, further straining fragile ceasefire talks.
The decision has intensified mistrust between Israel and Hamas, with both sides accusing each other of violating the US-brokered ceasefire.
Earlier that day, the Palestinian embassy in Egypt had announced that Rafah would reopen on Monday for limited entry into Gaza. However, Netanyahu’s statement swiftly overturned those plans.
Why the Rafah Border Is Crucial for Gazans
The Rafah border crossing serves as Gaza’s main connection to the outside world, and before the war, it was the only route not directly controlled by Israel. This passage has long been vital for humanitarian aid, medical evacuations, and civilian travel.
After the ceasefire, several aid trucks entered the Gaza Strip through Rafah, carrying food, medicine, and essential supplies. The crossing connects southern Gaza with Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, providing a critical lifeline for more than two million residents living under blockade.
Hostage Dispute Deepens Tensions
Hamas has accused Israel of breaching the ceasefire by refusing to reopen Rafah, calling the move “a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement and a repudiation of the commitments he made to the mediators and guarantor parties,” according to Reuters.
The group said the closure was delaying the recovery of Israeli hostages’ remains, as essential equipment needed for search operations was being blocked from entering Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israel reported it had received two more bodies on Saturday, raising the total to 12 out of 28 agreed under the ceasefire terms. The deal also involved Hamas releasing 20 living hostages in exchange for about 2,000 Palestinian detainees and prisoners.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens in Gaza
The ongoing closure of Rafah has further worsened the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where famine, disease, and mass displacement continue. Despite the ceasefire, aid deliveries remain insufficient to meet the population’s needs.
According to the UN World Food Programme, only 560 metric tons of food are entering Gaza daily — far below the level required to address widespread hunger.
Rafah has largely remained shut since May 2024, reopening briefly for medical evacuations and limited aid transfers. The crossing is also considered central to Trump’s 20-point peace plan, which includes Hamas disarmament, deployment of an international stabilization force, and gradual steps toward a Palestinian state.
However, continued disputes over hostage bodies and humanitarian access present serious obstacles to a lasting peace.
US Issues Warning to Hamas
According to Reuters, the US State Department said on Saturday it had received “credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the people of Gaza.” The statement added, “Should Hamas proceed with this attack, measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire.”
US President Donald Trump, who helped broker the truce, warned he may allow Israel to resume military operations if Hamas fails to meet its obligations under the agreement.
