The Rafah border crossing linking Gaza with Egypt is set to reopen on both sides for the first time in nearly two years.
The Rafah crossing is the main access point in and out of the strip for Gaza's population, particularly for patients seeking medical care. Israel took control of the crossing in May 2024 following its military operation in the southern city of Rafah and has since halted passenger movement, deepening the humanitarian crisis and further isolating the coastal enclave.
Israel's Prime Minister's Office said on Sunday that Israel has agreed to a limited reopening of the Rafah crossing for pedestrian passage only, subject to a full Israeli inspection mechanism.
According to the office, those leaving Gaza will be free to travel. However, every Palestinian entering Gaza will encounter stricter regulations. First, they will have to pass through a security check from a European Union delegation at the border, followed by an Israeli military checkpoint and then a full screening by Shin Bet, the Israeli intelligence agency.
A Ramallah-based source close to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, who asked not to be named, told Xinhua News Agency that preparations are under way to compile lists of travelers and returnees, adding that discussions are ongoing to finalize technical arrangements for operating the crossing.
The source said priority in the initial weeks would be given to patients and wounded individuals, holders of foreign passports and students, as well as the gradual return of Gaza residents who received medical treatment abroad.
Gaza-based health authorities warned that the continued closure of Rafah to patients and wounded individuals is worsening their conditions to dangerous levels.
The health authorities said about 20,000 patients have completed medical referrals and are awaiting permission to travel, citing shortages of medicines and medical equipment, the suspension of specialized services, and extensive damage to hospital infrastructure.
According to the health authorities, 1,268 patients have died while awaiting permission. Only 3,100 patients have been able to leave Gaza since the crossing was closed on May 7, 2024.
For those leaving Gaza to go into Egypt, priority will be given to patients, many of whom will be treated in hospitals in Al-Arish City, the Egyptian city closest to the border with Gaza.
Rafah border crossing to reopen on both sides for first time in nearly 2 years
The UK-China Business Council resumed its work on Thursday in Beijing after an eight-year pause, with more than 60 British companies and 50 Chinese firms sitting down for direct talks on trade, investment and industrial cooperation.
The restart of the business council took place during UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to China. "The UK-China Business Council is the business centerpiece of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to China. And this is a visit that has historic significance, ladies and gentlemen. It's eight years since a UK Prime Minister last came to China. It's definitely the right time," said Sebastian Wood, chair of the business council.
The China-UK goods trade now rivals the UK's trade with some of its closest traditional partners, and exceeds Britain's trade with many G7 economies.
"In 2025, bilateral trade exceeded 100 billion U.S. dollars, up more than 5 percent year on year. Two-way investment also grew steadily, reaching over 30 billion dollars on each side," said Liu Bo, deputy director of the Department of European Affairs at China's Ministry of Commerce.
For some executives, the visit marks not just a normalization of business relations, but signals a deeper commitment from businesses on both sides.
"Eight years ago, we actually came, we were in China to bring our medicines to patients in China. And today we're very proud to announce, we're going to invest 100 billion yuan (about 14.38 billion U.S. dollars) in China over the next 4 years, 5 years until 2030, to continue building our presence in China for research and development, manufacturing, investment across the country," said Pascal Soriot, CEO of AstraZeneca.
The revival of the UK-China Business Council was welcome news to delegates, even those whose businesses have thrived during the hiatus in council operations.
"I'm very honored to be here. As you know, Airbus knows China and China knows Airbus very well. So, we're ramping up to meet the demand in the market. China is our biggest customer in terms of country, so we are very happy to do business here," said John Harrison, chairman of Airbus.
"Prime Minister Starmer's visit and his meeting with President Xi earlier today mark an important milestone in further deepening the mutually beneficial relationship between the world's second and sixth largest economies. Now our presence here today points to that positive dynamic," said Brendan Nelson, chairman of HSBC.
UK-China Business Council restarts after 8 years of hiatus
