Cairo: The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will remain closed indefinitely, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Saturday, defying earlier claims by Palestinian authorities that it would reopen on Monday. The closure comes amid renewed tensions surrounding the fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, with both sides trading accusations of violations.
Earlier on Saturday, the Palestinian embassy in Cairo announced that the crossing a critical lifeline for Gazans would reopen to allow Palestinians stranded in Egypt and other countries to return home. However, Israel swiftly rejected the announcement, saying that no reopening would take place until Hamas fully complies with the U.S.-brokered truce, which includes the return of the bodies of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.
“The Rafah crossing will remain closed until Hamas meets its obligations,” Netanyahu’s office stated, underscoring that Israel would not allow movement through the border under current circumstances. The Israeli government maintains that reopening the crossing without fulfilling ceasefire conditions would undermine accountability and embolden Hamas.
The U.S. State Department echoed Israel’s concerns, warning that credible intelligence pointed to potential ceasefire violations by Hamas. “Any such action would represent a grave breach of the truce and endanger ongoing humanitarian efforts,” a spokesperson said. Washington reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians in Gaza and ensuring compliance with the ceasefire deal reached last month.
Hamas, on the other hand, dismissed Israel’s claims as “political fabrication,” accusing Tel Aviv of weaponizing humanitarian measures. The group said that locating and returning the remains of Israeli hostages was hampered by the massive devastation in Gaza, where entire neighbourhoods have been flattened in the months-long conflict.
The Rafah crossing has remained largely shut since May 2024, opening sporadically for humanitarian aid and emergency medical evacuations. Its prolonged closure has worsened Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, leaving thousands of people stranded and cutting off vital medical and food supplies. Aid agencies warn that continued border restrictions could push the enclave deeper into desperation.
As regional powers and international mediators push for dialogue, the Rafah impasse has become symbolic of the wider mistrust between Israel and Hamas. With the ceasefire already strained and humanitarian needs surging, hopes for stability in Gaza once again hang in the balance.