Rafah: Israel has said it will reopen the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt after completing its search for the body of the last remaining Israeli hostage in Gaza.
According to Israeli officials, the reopening of the crossing depends on the end of a military operation to recover the remains of Master Sergeant Ran Gvili. His body has not yet been found, and the search is continuing in several areas of northern Gaza with the help of forensic teams.
The Rafah crossing is a key exit point for Palestinians and an important route for humanitarian movement. It was expected to reopen under a ceasefire plan supported by the United States, but the move was delayed because of the ongoing search operation.
Israeli authorities said the crossing will open in a limited manner at first, mainly for pedestrian travel. Security checks will be strict, and more people may be allowed to leave Gaza than enter.
The delay has increased pressure on the Israeli government, with families of hostages and supporters urging leaders to complete the search and move forward with the next phase of the ceasefire.
Diplomatic efforts are continuing, with the United States and regional mediators pushing for steps that include reopening border crossings, easing restrictions and moving toward a longer pause in fighting.
For Gaza residents, the reopening of Rafah is seen as a crucial step that could allow patients, students and displaced families to travel, and could help reduce the strain caused by months of closures and conflict.