The Rafah crossing begins testing phase with a comprehensive set of security procedures

On February 1st, the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt began its pilot operations. This phased approach allowed for the assessment of technical infrastructure and security protocols without a large influx of people. According to Jin10, the first stage involved only a small group of participants in this controlled exercise, while full reopening was scheduled to start on February 2nd.

Initial Operations and Reopening Schedule

The gradual opening strategy of the Rafah crossing was structured in progressive stages. During the initial days, only pedestrian transit in both directions was permitted, albeit with significant limitations. Crossing supervisors, composed of Egyptian officials, EU observers, and Israeli authorities, remained on-site to monitor each phase of the transition. The total number of tasks assigned to these teams included both verifying technical systems and adjusting security measures.

Joint Supervision and Verification Protocols

A multinational supervision team established strict protocols to ensure the crossing’s safety. The coordinated presence of Egyptian representatives, EU observers, and Israeli authorities reflected the sensitive nature of this reopening. These supervisors primarily focused on identification processes and refining security control systems.

Requirements for People Transit

The Rafah crossing implemented a set of initial restrictions for those wishing to cross. Individuals were required to submit their personal data at least 24 hours in advance and then undergo remote scrutiny conducted by Israeli security personnel. This procedure ensured that each person was properly verified before authorization to cross, thereby maintaining the security standards necessary for the continuous operation of the crossing.