Preparations to reopen Gaza’s main Rafah border crossing started on Sunday. It was still unclear if any Palestinians would pass before the day ended, officials said. Before the war, Rafah was the only direct exit point for most Palestinians in Gaza and a key entry for aid. It has been almost fully closed since May 2024. Cogat, Israel’s military unit for humanitarian coordination, said the crossing will open in both directions for people on foot only. Operations will be coordinated with Egypt and the EU. Cogat explained, “As part of the pilot for the initial operation of the crossing, all involved parties are carrying out a series of preliminary preparations aimed at increasing readiness for full operation of the crossing.” They added, “The actual passage of residents in both directions will begin upon completion of these preparations.” A source close to the EU mission confirmed this. A Palestinian official expects the crossing to open for passengers on Monday. Egypt’s foreign ministry did not comment immediately. Israel said the crossing will open under strict security checks. Only Palestinians who want to leave Gaza and those who fled early in the war can use it. Many travelers are sick or wounded needing medical care abroad. The Palestinian health ministry said about 20,000 patients are waiting to leave. An Israeli defence official said the crossing can hold 150-200 people total in both directions. More will leave than return, because patients travel with escorts. Egypt submitted lists of people approved by Israel to pass through. Reopening Rafah was a key demand in US President Donald Trump’s first phase plan to end the conflict. The ceasefire began in October after two years of fighting but violence has continued. Israeli attacks killed over 500 Palestinians since the ceasefire, and Palestinian militants killed four Israeli troops. On Saturday, Israel launched intense airstrikes killing at least 30 people. Israel said this was in response to a Hamas tunnel breach in Rafah on Friday. Trump’s later plan phases require Palestinian technocrats to govern Gaza, Hamas to disarm, Israeli troops to withdraw, and an international force to keep peace and rebuild Gaza. Hamas refuses to disarm, and Israel warns it will act by force if needed.