On Wednesday, December 3rd, Israeli government announced that Gaza’s Rafah crossing will soon open into Egypt.  Saying that in coordination with Egypt, Israel’s military body Cogat, and under the supervision of the European Union Mission, that the Gazan crossing would open.

The prospect of opening Rafah crossing means several things.  Prior to the war, the Rafah direct exit for most Palestinians out pof Gaza. The opening of Rafah would certainly mean escape and refuge from the many struggles still plaguing Gaza.  Much needed medical care for diseased, injured, and dying Gazans would be provided.  According to Reuters, “At least 16,500 patients in Gaza are in need of medical care outside of the enclave, according to the United Nations. ” (Lubell, Al-Mughrabi, Dec. 3rd, 2025).  Tons of humanitarian aid would be available to families, children, seniors and all those must affected by the lack of resources, promise of shelter or food or clean water.

The Israeli military arm, Coordination of government activities in the territories (Cogat), said that following security approval by Israel under the European Union Mission’s supervision, would facilitate the opening in coordination with Israel.  This is similar to the mechanism that took place in January of 2025 during a previous ceasefire.

Additionally, Israel’s Haaraetz newspaper wrote that Palestinian Authority (PA) would, alongside the EU’s Border Assistance Mission, assist in operating the reopening. Haaraetz cited a European source as saying that during the previous ceasefire, Palestinian representatives assisted.  However, they were not wearing PA insignia, due to “Israeli sensitivity” over their presence in Gaza.  As the PA governs parts of the occupied West Bank.  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ruled out any future governance of Gaza by the PA.

According to a BBC article, “Haaretz also reported that Netanyahu had so far blocked the reopening of the Rafah crossing because of the delayed return of the bodies of deceased hostages held by Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza.” (Gritten, Dec. 3rd, 2025).  As, while all of the  living hostages were returned October 13th, the bodies of 2 dead still haven’t been returned.  The remaining dead hostages are Ran Gvili, 24 – who is Israeli – and Suthisak Rantalak, 43 – who is Thai.  The PM’s office said, following two bodies getting handed over by Hamas, that the bodies given did not belong to the two men.

Despite claims from Israel, Egypt denied coordination to reopen the Rafah crossing with Israel. The State Information cited and official source in Egypt, which said that if an agreement to repent the crossing is reached, it will be in accordance with President Trump’s peace plan.  Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan states that “”opening the Rafah crossing in both directions will be subject to the same mechanism” implemented under the January ceasefire deal.