Rafah Crossing to open without Israeli presence inside, under tight oversight – reports

With Israel expected to open the Rafah Crossing in both directions next week, Hebrew media reports say the focus is now on the security and political conditions under which the move will be implemented.

According to the reports, Israel will maintain full control over the crossing through remote surveillance systems, advance approval of travelers’ names and identification documents, and IDF deployment in the crossing’s perimeter.

While there will reportedly be no permanent Israeli presence inside the crossing itself, those entering and exiting Gaza will pass through a nearby Israeli security checkpoint aimed at preventing weapons smuggling.

The planned opening of Rafah Crossing is said to be carried out at the request of the US, as part of broader efforts to facilitate a transfer of governance in Gaza away from Hamas.