GAZA/CAIRO — The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt has been reopened under a “pilot operation” after nearly two years of closure, Israeli media reported Sunday, potentially allowing limited movement of people in and out of the besieged enclave.The daily Yedioth Ahronoth said the crossing was opened on a trial basis, with the actual movement of people expected to begin Monday in both directions.About 150 people are expected to leave Gaza each day, while roughly 50 are anticipated to return, according to the report.The newspaper said Palestinians who left Gaza during Israel’s war would only be permitted to return through the Rafah terminal.It added that Israel would monitor activity at the crossing remotely using surveillance equipment, without Israeli troops deployed on the ground.Egypt is expected to provide Israel with a daily list of individuals scheduled to cross the border in both directions over the following 24 hours, the report said.According to the newspaper, Israel would also allow a limited number of wounded Palestinian fighters to exit Gaza through the crossing if they choose, adding that, in principle, all those who leave would be allowed to return.Rafah has been a critical route for humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israeli forces seized control of the crossing in May 2024, nearly nine months into the war on the Gaza Strip, which has killed more than 71,000 people and wounded over 171,000 others since October 2023, according to Palestinian figures.The terminal had been due to reopen in October under the first phase of a ceasefire agreement, but Israel delayed the move until the release of its remaining captive in Gaza, which occurred earlier this week.Despite the ceasefire, Israeli attacks have continued, killing 524 people and injuring 1,360 others since Oct. 10, according to Gaza’s media office.
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