In a significant development for the region, Egypt officially reopened the Sheikh Salem border crossing with the Gaza Strip on the morning of October 24, 2025, after a 23-day closure. The move, which has drawn widespread attention and international commentary, comes amid heightened tensions and a rising death toll in the area, which has reached 70 people according to recent reports. The reopening of the crossing is seen as a critical step for both humanitarian and political reasons, and its timing reflects Egypt’s evolving role in the ongoing efforts to stabilize the region.
According to multiple Egyptian media outlets, the Sheikh Salem crossing is considered the most important gateway for the Gaza Strip, serving as a vital conduit for goods, medical supplies, and the movement of people. The closure had severely impacted daily life in Gaza, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. With the crossing now open for both traffic and trade, there is cautious optimism among local residents and international observers that some relief may be on the horizon.
The decision to activate the crossing was first announced on October 23, 2025, by Egypt’s ambassador to the United Nations, Osama Abdel Khaleq. Addressing the UN Security Council, Ambassador Abdel Khaleq stated that the move came after extensive consultations with the Arab League and other concerned parties. He emphasized Egypt’s commitment to facilitating the movement of goods and people through the border, highlighting the country’s role as a regional mediator and humanitarian actor.
“Egypt decided to activate the Sheikh Salem border crossing for traffic,” Abdel Khaleq informed the Security Council, as reported by Ekstra News. He further explained that the decision was communicated to the UN in the spirit of transparency and cooperation, and that Egypt had coordinated closely with the Arab League to ensure that the reopening would serve the broader interests of peace and stability.
The reopening comes at a time of mounting regional tension. On the same day as the announcement, Egypt’s permanent representative to the UN delivered a stern warning regarding the fragile state of the peace process. During a Security Council session focused on the situation in the Middle East, Ambassador Abdel Khaleq cautioned against the failure to implement all provisions of the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Agreement. “We warn of the consequences of not implementing all the provisions of the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Agreement,” he declared, underscoring Egypt’s sense of urgency and its desire to see tangible progress toward lasting peace.
Ambassador Abdel Khaleq’s remarks were pointed and direct. He expressed Egypt’s strong condemnation of the Israeli Knesset’s recent approval of two draft laws aimed at imposing what is termed “Israeli sovereignty” over the occupied West Bank. According to Elaosboa, Abdel Khaleq described these legislative moves as a “blatant violation of international law” and reiterated Egypt’s position that such actions undermine the prospects for a two-state solution and a just resolution to the conflict.
“Egypt condemns the Israeli Knesset’s approval of two draft laws to impose so-called Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank,” he stated, adding that these measures represent a clear breach of established legal norms and threaten to escalate tensions further.
In his address, the Egyptian ambassador also welcomed the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice, which reaffirmed that international law rejects any attempts to forcibly displace or starve the Palestinian people. “This is an important step in supporting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people,” Abdel Khaleq noted, signaling Egypt’s ongoing support for Palestinian self-determination and the establishment of an independent state.
Egypt’s diplomatic efforts have not gone unnoticed. Ambassador Abdel Khaleq took a moment during his Security Council speech to thank all parties that participated in the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit, an event that brought together key stakeholders in pursuit of a ceasefire and broader regional stability. “We thank all parties who participated in the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit,” he said, acknowledging the collective nature of peacemaking efforts.
But Egypt’s message was not solely directed at Israel and the Palestinian territories. The ambassador reaffirmed his country’s solidarity with Syria and Lebanon, emphasizing Egypt’s commitment to protecting the legitimate rights and territorial integrity of both nations. “Achieving peace in the region requires Israel’s withdrawal from all occupied Arab territories,” Abdel Khaleq asserted, aligning Egypt’s stance with broader Arab League positions and international legal frameworks.
Security concerns remain paramount. Egyptian authorities have warned that strict measures will be taken against any attempts to exploit the reopened crossing for illegal activities. According to official statements, Egypt stands ready to cooperate with neighboring countries, especially Syria and Lebanon, to ensure that the border remains secure and that the flow of humanitarian aid is not disrupted by smuggling or other illicit operations.
The reopening of the Sheikh Salem crossing is not just a logistical or humanitarian gesture; it is also a signal of Egypt’s determination to play a constructive and stabilizing role in the region. The government’s decision followed high-level consultations with both the Arab League and other international stakeholders, reflecting a careful balancing act between domestic security concerns and external diplomatic pressures.
For residents of Gaza, the reopening offers a glimmer of hope after weeks of isolation and hardship. The crossing is expected to facilitate the movement of urgently needed supplies, including food, medicine, and construction materials, as well as allow for the passage of individuals needing medical treatment or family reunification. Local officials, however, remain wary, stressing that the situation remains fragile and that lasting relief will depend on broader political agreements and the continued cooperation of all parties involved.
In the broader context, Egypt’s actions are being closely watched by both regional actors and international powers. The United States, represented by President Donald Trump at the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit, has been praised by Egyptian diplomats for its efforts to halt hostilities in Gaza. Ambassador Abdel Khaleq publicly commended President Trump’s role, stating, “We appreciate the efforts of President Donald Trump to stop the war in the Gaza Strip.”
Despite these diplomatic overtures, the path forward remains uncertain. Egypt’s warnings about the dangers of non-compliance with the Sharm El-Sheikh agreement reflect deep-seated anxieties about the potential for renewed conflict and instability. The government’s insistence on strict security measures at the border underscores the complexity of managing both humanitarian needs and national security imperatives.
As the region watches the next steps unfold, the reopening of the Sheikh Salem crossing serves as a reminder of both the persistent challenges and the enduring hopes that define the quest for peace in the Middle East. For now, Egypt’s move has injected a measure of optimism into a fraught and uncertain landscape, but the road ahead is sure to be anything but straightforward.
