Rafah Border Crossing
Rafah
The Rafah Border Crossing is the sole crossing point between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, serving as Gaza's only border with a country other than Israel. Established under Israeli control after the 1979 peace treaty, it was transferred to Egyptian, Palestinian Authority, and EU oversight in 2005, marking the first time Palestinians had partial control of an international border. Since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007, the crossing has been intermittently open amid political tensions, blockades, and conflicts. The crossing includes the Rafah land port, known as the Salah al-Din Gate, which handles truck traffic and commercial goods. Its strategic location on the Salah al-Din Road connects Gaza's main highway from Erez to Rafah. The crossing has been repeatedly affected by military actions and political agreements, reflecting its importance in regional security and humanitarian access.
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Tip: Visitors should note that the Rafah Border Crossing operates under complex political conditions and is often closed or restricted. It is advisable to check current status and travel permissions well in advance. Coordination with relevant authorities and international monitors is essential, and travelers should be prepared for intermittent openings and closures. No direct tourist access is typical, as the crossing primarily serves humanitarian and transit purposes.
Interesting facts
- •Rafah Border Crossing is the only crossing point between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, making it a critical humanitarian and political gateway.
- •The crossing was under Israeli control until 2005, then transferred to joint Egyptian, Palestinian Authority, and EU control.
- •The EU Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM Rafah) monitored the crossing operations after 2005 until its withdrawal in 2007.
- •The crossing has been repeatedly closed and reopened due to conflicts, including the Gaza wars and political agreements.
- •The Rafah land port, known as Salah al-Din Gate, was bombed by Israel in 2009 to destroy smuggling tunnels.
- •A new crossing point called 'Al Awda' ('The Return') was constructed south of Rafah town to facilitate movement.
- •Under agreements, Egypt controls the crossing but requires Israeli approval for imports through it.
History
The Rafah Border Crossing's origins trace back to the 1906 Ottoman-British agreement defining the border between Ottoman Palestine and British Egypt.
Following the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict, Gaza was occupied by Egypt, eliminating a Gaza-Egypt border.
The 1967 Six-Day War placed Gaza and Sinai under Israeli occupation.
The 1979 Israel-Egypt peace treaty re-established the Gaza-Egypt border through Rafah, dividing the city and separating families.
Israel's 2005 disengagement from Gaza transferred partial control of the crossing to the Palestinian Authority and EU monitors.
Since then, the crossing has been a focal point of regional conflict, blockades, and intermittent openings, reflecting shifting control between Israel, Egypt, and Palestinian authorities.
