Britain has urged for the complete reopening of the Rafah crossing, which connects Gaza to Egypt, following Israel’s announcement of a limited easing to allow pedestrian movement. The UK’s Middle East minister, Hamish Falconer, welcomed the recovery of the final Israeli hostage’s remains but stressed the need for a full reopening that facilitates the passage of both people and vital materials.
Israel’s Partial Reopening and UK’s Stance
Falconer called for the removal of restrictions on the Rafah crossing to ensure the flow of humanitarian assistance, a crucial part of the US-backed ceasefire agreement. Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, confirmed that the crossing would reopen for pedestrian movement only, contingent on full Israeli inspection. This limited reopening follows the successful recovery of the body of Israeli police officer Ran Gvili, who had been held hostage since the October 7 attacks, marking the conclusion of a painful chapter for Israel.
The Rafah crossing, a vital lifeline for Palestinians, has been largely closed since May 2024, with a brief exception in 2025. Its opening is viewed as a significant step towards the next phase of the ceasefire, though it had initially been called for as part of the first phase of the peace plan. The UK’s call for a full reopening aligns with the 20-point peace plan that seeks to address humanitarian needs and ensure the proper flow of aid and people in and out of Gaza.
In addition to the developments at Rafah, Falconer addressed the UK’s stance on the so-called “Board of Peace,” led by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Britain has expressed reservations about joining the board, particularly with concerns over the potential involvement of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Falconer stated that it was difficult to imagine a legitimate role for Putin in such a peace initiative and reiterated the UK’s commitment to moving forward with the second phase of the Gaza peace process.
The UK government remains cautious about formal participation in the peace initiative but continues to consult with international partners. Despite this, Falconer emphasized the importance of Tony Blair’s involvement in the process, noting that the UK looks forward to working with the former Prime Minister in his role within the board.
As Britain moves forward with its support for the Middle East peace process, the public’s generosity has been noted. The UK’s £3 million aid match, announced over Christmas, has been matched by donations from the British public, which Falconer described as “incredibly generous” during his visit to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s offices in London.
