Egypt calls for 'maximum restraint' on eve of planned Rafah crossing reopening

Egypt on Saturday urged all sides to exercise “maximum restraint” on the eve of the scheduled reopening of the Rafah border crossing and condemned “in the strongest terms” new Israeli airstrikes on Gaza.

Cairo “calls on all parties to fully assume their responsibilities at this delicate stage” and to “avoid any action that could jeopardize the ongoing process,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Israeli airstrikes killed 32 people, including women and children, in the Gaza Strip on Saturday, according to the Civil Defense.

Israel is set to partially reopen the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt on Sunday. A source at the crossing said the day would be largely devoted to preparations and logistics, including the arrival of a delegation from the Palestinian Authority.

The crossing will open Sunday “on a trial basis” to allow wounded individuals to pass before regular operations begin Monday, three other crossing sources said.

“No agreement has yet been reached on the number of Palestinians who will be allowed to enter and exit,” the sources said, adding that Egypt plans to admit “all Palestinians whom Israel authorizes to leave.”

The crossing has been closed since Israeli forces took control of it in May 2024, except for a limited reopening in early 2025 during a previous, failed truce.

Rafah is the only entry and exit point between the Gaza Strip and the outside world that does not pass through Israel. Its reopening is part of the cease-fire plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which took effect Oct. 10.

Palestinians in Gaza, the United Nations and international humanitarian organizations have been awaiting its reopening amid a deepening humanitarian crisis.

Israel’s decision to allow a limited reopening with strict restrictions, following heavy U.S. pressure, falls short of the demands of Hamas, humanitarian groups and the United Nations.

Rafah’s reopening had been expected during the truce’s initial phase, but the United States announced a transition to a second phase in mid-January as Israel and Hamas continue to accuse each other daily of violating the cease-fire.