Israel: Preparations Continue to Open Rafah Crossing, Date to Be Announced Later
The Israeli army’s “Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories” unit announced today, Thursday, that preparations are underway in coordination with Egypt to open the Rafah crossing for pedestrian movement, with the date to be announced later.
The unit clarified in its statement that humanitarian aid will not pass through the Rafah crossing, noting that the delivery of aid to the Gaza Strip continues through the Kerem Abu Salem crossing and other crossings.
Sky News Arabia quoted a Palestinian source saying that the crossing will not open in the next few days, explaining that the decision to reopen it is linked to Israeli approval of its handover and withdrawal of Israeli forces from the crossing.
The source added that Israel ties the opening of the crossing to the completion of the first phase of the prisoner exchange deal, particularly the handover of the bodies of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas.
He also indicated that the management of the crossing will later be handed over to a joint committee affiliated with the Palestinian Authority, according to ongoing understandings with regional parties.
