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Source: https://www.israelhayom.com/2026/02/01/rafah-crossing-reopens-on-israels-terms/
Rafah Crossing Reopens on Israel's Terms
(Israel Hayom) Ariel Kahana - The Rafah Crossing between Gaza and Egypt reopened on Sunday under vastly better terms for Israel than the situation that prevailed before Oct. 7. Before that date, under the Israeli 2005 disengagement plan from Gaza, the Rafah Crossing and the surrounding Philadelphi Corridor functioned as Hamas's smuggling heartland. Weapons flowed freely into Gaza, above ground and below it, leaving Israel without any ability to stop the flood of weapons. An EU monitoring force ostensibly inspected those passing through the crossing, while Israelis watched from afar via cameras, with no real ability to intervene. When Hamas seized control of Gaza in June 2007, the European monitors fled for their lives, and even the minimal screening that had existed came to an end. The Rafah Crossing has resumed operations, but only for people. Goods will not pass through it at this stage. Israel will approve the identity of every individual entering or leaving Gaza and will also determine the permitted numbers in each direction. More importantly, all those entering Gaza will be required to undergo additional security screening conducted by Israel. As a result of Israel's insistence on both capturing the Philadelphi Corridor and the city of Rafah, and refusing under any circumstances to withdraw from them, the smuggling bonanza that once defined the area has come to an end. This marks a dramatic reversal of one of the most damaging consequences of the 2005 disengagement.