CAIRO, Egypt: Pedestrians are set to begin passing through the Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt on Monday, after it was largely shut for close to two years since Israeli forces seized the Palestinian side.

The reopening, demanded by the United Nations and aid groups, is a key part of the second phase of US President Donald Trump’s truce plan for the Palestinian territory.

AFP looks at what to know about this crucial crossing:

- Vital access point -

COGAT, the Israeli defense ministry body coordinating Palestinian civilian affairs, has said it will only be open for the passage of “residents in both directions.”