Egypt/Palestinian Terr.: Hamas announces opening of Rafah crossing Jan. 29

Event

On Monday, January 28, Hamas announced that the Rafah border crossing on the Egyptian-Gazan border will be opened in both directions starting on Tuesday, January 29. According to reports, the crossing is expected to remain open through Thursday, January 31. Nevertheless, as of Monday evening (local time), Egyptian officials have not officially confirmed that the crossing will reopen. A heightened security presence and crowded conditions are expected at the Rafah border crossing in the coming days.  

Advice

Individuals are advised against travel to the Gaza Strip due to the difficulties of exiting the territory, the high risk of terrorism, the recurrent eruptions of violence between Palestinians and Israeli security forces, and the poor living conditions on the ground. Individuals in Israel are advised to avoid the area near the Gazan border due to the recent clashes between Palestinian protesters and IDF personnel along the border and the frequent launching of rockets from the territory.

Due to the prevailing threat of terrorism, individuals throughout Egypt should report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities and always be on guard when visiting sites deemed particularly vulnerable to an attack (e.g. public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.). Some governments advise their nationals against all travel to the Sinai Peninsula due to the persistent terrorist threat.