Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Egypt reopens Rafah crossing with Gaza on September 27

Event

On Sunday, September 27, Egyptian authorities reopened the Rafah border crossing with the Gaza Strip for the first time since a temporary opening in early August. Bar the three-day opening in August, the Egypt-Gaza border has been closed since May to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Gaza residents with Egyptian or foreign passports, as well as patients seeking medical treatment abroad, will be permitted to leave, and residents stranded abroad may re-enter. Arrivals in Gaza will be required to quarantine for a period of 21 days. The opening is expected to last for three days.

Disruptions to transportation near both sides of the Rafah crossing are likely while the crossing is open.  

Advice

Those in the Gaza Strip are advised to monitor developments and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments. Some Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to the Gaza Strip.