Israel has announced that the Rafah border crossing, which connects southern Gaza to Egypt, will be closed in the wake of the military conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran. This decision was communicated by the Israeli authority Cogat. Cogat asserts that the closure will not have any effect on the humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip, despite concerns about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.

The Rafah crossing, which is the only border point for Gaza that does not directly interface with Israel, was previously closed in May 2024 following an Israeli military invasion of the area. It only partially reopened in February this year, allowing a limited number of individuals in need of medical care to pass through. However, this reopening was significantly restricted, and it has not catered to broader humanitarian needs.

Furthermore, Israel has imposed prohibitions on various types of crossings at Rafah. While the passage for people needing medical attention is allowed, others, including aid shipments and goods deliveries, are strictly banned. This closure raises concerns about the already delicate humanitarian conditions in Gaza, particularly given the region's reliance on external aid and the impact of military actions in the area.