Israel says Rafah border to open so Palestinians can leave Gaza for Egypt

Israel announced on Wednesday that residents of the Gaza Strip could leave the territory for Egypt "in the coming days," in accordance with a measure provided for in peace plan, but Cairo denied any agreement to that effect, AFP reported.

"In accordance with the ceasefire agreement and a directive from the political level, the Rafah crossing will open in the coming days exclusively for the departure of residents of the Gaza Strip to Egypt," Israeli unit Cogat, which upholds government policy in the Palestinian Territories, told AFP.

Cogat specified that the opening of the crossing point would be done in coordination with Egypt and the European Union.

But Egypt has denied any agreement with Israel on opening the Rafah border crossing for exits only, demanding passage in both directions.

"If an agreement is reached to open the crossing, it will be in both directions to enter and exit the Gaza Strip, in accordance with the plan of US President Donald Trump," the state information services said in a statement.

The head of the European mission for the Rafah crossing point did not respond to a press query about it. 

The crossing point briefly reopened in January 2025, during the first ceasefire, firstly to enable authorized residents to leave Gaza, and secondly to allow aid trucks to enter.

In addition to being included in the peace plan brokered by President Donald Trump, the reopening of the Rafah crossing point has long been demanded by the UN and humanitarian organizations.

The Israeli army took control of the Palestinian side in May 2024. 

The crossing is one of the main exit points for Palestinians in Gaza, which has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007.