The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip is expected to reopen in both directions next week, a key Palestinian official said on Thursday.

The announcement was made by Ali Shaath, the Palestinian technocrat heading the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.

"I am pleased to announce the Rafah crossing will open next week in both directions. For Palestinians in Gaza, Rafah is more than a gate. It is a lifeline and symbol of opportunity," Shaath said.

"Opening Rafah signals that Gaza is no longer closed to the future and the world," Shaath added.

The reopening of the crossing is part of the Gaza truce plan announced by US President Donald Trump in October, but it has remained closed so far.

There was no immediate comment from Israel, which has controlled the Rafah crossing since 2024.