Israel was preparing to open the Rafah border as it said forensic tests showed that partial remains handed over this week do not match either of the hostages who remain in Gaza.The remains handed over on Tuesday were found in Gaza’s northern town of Beit Lahiya, according to Palestinian media.
A specific time for the opening of the border has not been given, but it is hoped eventual access will allow people to cross for medical and travel purposes.
The coordination of government activities in the territories (COGAT) said the arrangement, which has Israeli security clearance, will be coordinated with Egypt under the supervision of the European Union mission, similar to the mechanism that operated in January 2025.
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“In accordance with the ceasefire agreement and a directive of the political echelon, the Rafah Crossing will open in the coming days exclusively for the exit of residents from the Gaza Strip to Egypt,” a COGAT statement said.
It did not say whether there would be restrictions on who was allowed to leave Gaza, although they would require “Israeli security approval”.
The ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas called for the crossing to be opened for medical evacuations and for travel to and from Gaza.
More than 16,500 sick and wounded people need to leave Gaza for medical care, according to the World Health Organization.
Rafah is Gaza’s only gateway to the rest of the world that’s not directly controlled by Israel.
It is under the control of Egypt as part of an agreement with Israel and the European Union.
