Jerusalem: Israel announced plans to reopen the Rafah border crossing with Gaza, easing some restrictions on humanitarian aid after the bodies of four Israeli hostages were handed over by Hamas. The move comes amid fragile ceasefire conditions and ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilize the situation in the region.

According to Israeli officials, the decision includes cancelling several previously planned punitive measures against Hamas, which had involved limiting the number of aid trucks and tightening border controls. The reopening of Rafah, Gaza’s main link to Egypt, was described as a humanitarian gesture tied to the ongoing hostage negotiations and the return of remains.

However, the situation remains uncertain. Reports from humanitarian organizations and media sources suggest that the crossing has yet to fully reopen, as Israel has opted to permit only a reduced number of aid trucks. The delay is reportedly linked to Israel’s demand that Hamas hand over all the bodies of deceased hostages before restoring full aid flow.

While Hamas has returned several bodies so far, it has stated that ongoing Israeli airstrikes and extensive damage in Gaza are hindering further recovery efforts. Israel insists that full compliance is required before any broader reopening can proceed.

The recent developments come on the heels of a temporary ceasefire brokered by Egypt and the United States, under which surviving hostages were released in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Despite that breakthrough, both sides have accused each other of breaching the truce.

International mediators, including the United Nations and European Union, continue to press for the resumption of full humanitarian access to Gaza. The European Union Border Assistance Mission is reportedly preparing to help monitor and coordinate the reopening process at Rafah once both sides agree on verification terms.

For now, thousands of civilians in Gaza remain dependent on limited aid deliveries as political negotiations continue. The next 48 hours are expected to be critical in determining whether Israel fully reopens the crossing or maintains partial restrictions amid the ongoing dispute over the hostages’ remains.