Confusion over the reopening date of the Rafah crossing… logistical reasons or Israeli stalling?

Conflicting reports about when the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will reopen are fueling concerns about possible Israeli stalling, contrary to U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan.

Under that plan, Israel was to reopen the Palestinian side of the crossing today, Wednesday, under European administration.

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Two days earlier, the European Union had announced its readiness to assume its duties at the crossing.

Israel’s Public Broadcasting Corporation stated: “The political echelon in Israel decided this morning (Wednesday) to reopen the Rafah crossing and continue the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, following Hamas’s handover of the bodies of four Israeli captives last night, with expectations that four more will be delivered in the coming hours.” Nevertheless, the crossing did not actually reopen.

Citing informed Israeli sources, the broadcaster added that “on-the-ground preparations are underway to reopen the Rafah crossing, but it will not reopen today, and no date has been set.”

It further noted that 600 aid trucks are expected to enter Gaza daily once the Rafah crossing is reopened.

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An Israeli security source told Yedioth Ahronoth that “the Rafah crossing will not open today, and the timing of its reopening is unknown.” The source added: “It is not logistically feasible either. We need to go to the area to verify, send an advance team, and that takes time. A decision is likely tomorrow as well to keep the crossing closed.”

Israel had announced it would not reopen the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing and would reduce the humanitarian aid entering Gaza.

This threat marked the first signs of disagreement between Israel and Hamas in implementing Trump’s plan.

According to Israel’s Public Broadcasting Corporation, the country’s security establishment recommended that the political leadership keep Rafah closed and refrain from transferring the full amount of aid into Gaza until the bodies held by Hamas are handed over.

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