The Rafah border crossing resumed activity on Monday, reopening to a tightly regulated flow of Gaza Strip residents under close IDF supervision. Operations are limited to a six-hour window each day, running from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Israeli defense officials said they were encouraged by the results of the initial trial period. Under the current arrangement, as many as 150 Gaza residents may depart the territory daily, while entry from Egypt into Gaza is capped at 50 people per day. Day-to-day management of the crossing is being handled by the European Union Border Assistance Mission, working alongside Egyptian authorities.
Under the agreed procedure, Egypt is required to submit a daily roster of up to 50 individuals seeking permission to enter Gaza. Those names are reviewed through Israeli security checks, and only candidates who pass screening are cleared to cross on the following day.
At the same time, the European mission compiles a separate list of up to 150 Gaza residents requesting permission to leave the Strip, including details of their planned destinations. That list is then transferred to Egyptian officials, who decide which requests will be approved.
In preparation for reopening the crossing, and in accordance with instructions from Israel’s political leadership, the IDF recently completed a new security screening complex known as “Regavim.” The site, located in territory under IDF control, is operated by Israeli security agencies and is designed to tighten monitoring and security in the area.
At this facility, security personnel confirm identities against pre-approved Israeli databases and conduct comprehensive inspections of personal belongings. In addition, an Israeli-controlled remote technological system is used at the crossing exit point to block unauthorized individuals from passing through, eliminating the need for Israeli forces to be physically stationed at the crossing itself.
Only individuals who have received advance authorization are permitted to enter Gaza from Egypt. On the Gaza side, the crossing is run by local personnel under European supervision. After entering, approved travelers are transported by bus to the Israeli screening facility, where they undergo identity checks and physical inspections intended to prevent the transfer of weapons or prohibited equipment.
{Matzav.com}
