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Israel has decided to keep the Rafah Border Crossing closed despite requests from the United States to reopen it, Israeli media reported.
According to Yedioth Ahronot, Israel’s Security Cabinet met Sunday evening and agreed to maintain the closure of the crossing on the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, citing a senior Israeli official.
The official said the decision was taken despite Washington’s demands following the announcement that the ceasefire had entered its second phase.
Israel, the official added, would not alter its position on the Rafah crossing at this stage.
The same official claimed that the inclusion of representatives from Türkiye and Qatar in the Gaza Administration Board was not part of prior understandings reached between Tel Aviv and Washington.
Israel had previously stated it would not allow the Rafah Crossing to reopen before the return of the body of Israeli soldier Ran Gvili, who was killed during the Oct. 7, 2023 clashes.
Despite the ceasefire, Israel has continued to keep the Rafah crossing, Gaza’s only gateway to the outside world not controlled by Israel, closed since May 2024, during its ongoing occupation of the area.
Rafah is the southernmost exit point from Gaza and borders Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.
With the Erez Crossing and Kerem Shalom Crossing remaining shut, Rafah has become the sole route for people and humanitarian aid entering or leaving Gaza.
The closure followed Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, after which Israel shut the Erez and Kerem Shalom crossings indefinitely, leaving Rafah as the only operational access point for civilians and aid deliveries into the enclave.
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