US expects Israel to open the Rafah crossing in both directions after putting on pressure Israel is expected to reopen the Rafah Crossing in both directions after US president Donald Trump and his aided raised the issue with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, The Times of Israel reported on Wednesday, citing an unnamed US official. Although the Rafah Crossing was supposed to reopen as part of the 10 October ceasefire agreement, Israel said it would only open the crossing one-way for Palestinians to exit the Gaza Strip.