• Israel announces the reopening of Gaza's Rafah crossing on Sunday after a significant closure.
• The crossing will allow only limited movement of people, prioritizing medical evacuations.
• This reopening aligns with the second phase of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement.
• COGAT, Israel's coordinating body, has stated all movements will require prior security clearance.
• This marks a critical step amidst a dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Israel has announced plans to reopen the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt on Sunday, allowing only a limited movement of people. This is the first time the crossing will be accessible after nearly two years of closure, a decision influenced by part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the war between Hamas and Israel, according to Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.

The Rafah crossing will permit travel in both directions, but will only facilitate the "limited movement of people," as stated by COGAT, Israel's coordinating body overseeing the crossing operations. Aimed at alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the reopening is seen as a critical step toward restoring essential aid access for the 2 million residents affected by conflict, reports Anadolu Agency and Reuters.

The reopening has been framed within the context of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement's second phase, which entails complex negotiations around governance and disarmament in Gaza. Both Israel and Egypt will vet individuals for crossing while ensuring that the entry and exit are monitored by a European Union mission, according to South China Morning Post. This strategic reopening comes following the recovery of the last Israeli hostage, paving the way for these humanitarian efforts.

Despite this positive development, the control over the crossing highlights ongoing tensions, as Israel implements strict security measures aimed at regulating the flow of individuals across the border while addressing long-term strategies against Hamas. Humanitarian organizations continue to advocate for greater access to aid as Gaza faces significant challenges, including limited medical services and basic necessities, as noted by South China Morning Post and Reuters.