Israel to Reopen Rafah Crossing for Limited Traffic
Is Israel risking its own security to help Gazans or sending them back to a heavily surveilled war zone?
Above: Aid trucks entering Gaza through the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing on Jan. 27, 2026. Image credit: AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
Israel's decision to reopen the Rafah crossing on Sunday shows it is taking real security risks to meet Gazans' demands for movement and access. Even as the IDF warns that unchecked aid can strengthen Hamas rather than civilians, Israel is still allowing two-way passage. This signals a calculated step to address humanitarian pressure despite ongoing threats.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Reopening Rafah is less a humanitarian gesture than a tightly controlled measure as Israel continues bombing the same area it claims to reopen for civilians it forced to flee. Gazans will face checkpoints, corruption and bribes just to pass. The crossing's return offers little real freedom, while reinforcing Israel's total control over their every move.