IDF captures of one of Hamas's top remaining commanders
The Jerusalem Post4 days
Israel to Reopen Rafah Crossing for Limited Traffic
Is Israel risking its own security to help Gazans or sending them back to a heavily surveilled war zone?
Above: Aid trucks entering Gaza through the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing on Jan. 27, 2026. Image credit: AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
Israel's decision to reopen the Rafah crossing on Sunday shows it is taking real security risks to meet Gazans' demands for movement and access. Even as the IDF warns that unchecked aid can strengthen Hamas rather than civilians, Israel is still allowing two-way passage. This signals a calculated step to address humanitarian pressure despite ongoing threats.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Reopening Rafah is less a humanitarian gesture than a tightly controlled measure as Israel continues bombing the same area it claims to reopen for civilians it forced to flee. Gazans will face checkpoints, corruption and bribes just to pass. The crossing's return offers little real freedom, while reinforcing Israel's total control over their every move.
Metaculus Prediction
There's a 10% chance that the Gaza war will end and significant progress be made towards a two-state solution before 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
The Controversies
Establishment split
CRITICAL
PRO
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.18.0