UN confirms deal to reopen Rafah crossing as early as next week

UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nikolay Mladenov announced on Thursday that an agreement has been reached to reopen the Rafah crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt in both directions.

In a post on his official X account, Mladenov said that preparations for reopening the crossing had been agreed upon, adding that coordination is under way with Israel and the Gaza National Committee to accelerate efforts related to outstanding humanitarian issues. He thanked Egypt, Israel, the United States, and Gaza National Committee head Ali Shaath for what he described as their “tireless efforts,” noting that logistical arrangements for implementing the agreement are currently being finalised.

Separately, Ali Shaath confirmed that the Rafah crossing will reopen next week. Speaking after the signing of the “Peace Council” charter in the presence of US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Shaath described the crossing as a vital lifeline for Gaza and said its reopening marks a step toward reconnecting the Strip with the outside world.

Earlier on Thursday, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee also indicated that the crossing would reopen soon. In remarks to the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation, Huckabee said Israel would “soon” move to reopen Rafah, without providing a specific date.

The Rafah crossing has remained largely closed amid ongoing restrictions and security measures, severely limiting the movement of people and goods into and out of the Gaza Strip.

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