Briefing: To return to Gaza, Palestinian refugees first have to face Israeli-backed militias
Strategic angle: Israel is reopening the Rafah border crossing, but challenges remain for Palestinian refugees.
The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt is set to reopen on March 18, 2026, following a partial opening on February 2, 2026, as part of a peace initiative involving Israel and Hamas.
This reopening could facilitate movement for Palestinian refugees; however, it also raises concerns about the presence of Israeli-backed militias in the area, which may impact the safety and security of those attempting to cross.
The operational capacity of the crossing will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of this reopening, as infrastructure must be adequately prepared to handle increased throughput while ensuring security protocols are enforced.