The Rafah crossing, which connects the Gaza Strip to Egypt, was once again in the spotlight this weekend, with contradictory statements about its possible reopening. While the Palestinian Embassy in Egypt announces that the border point will reopen on Monday, the Israeli government states that the crossing “will remain closed until further notice”.
The standoff comes after a week of a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which also included a hostage exchange agreement. According to the Palestinian embassy, the reopening would allow Palestinians living in Egypt to return to the Gaza Strip, but it is not clear whether the crossing will be used for the entry of humanitarian aid.
On Thursday, Israel’s Foreign Minister had already indicated, in a statement, that Rafah “would probably be reopened on Sunday”, but without specifying whether it would be for the entry of people or aid. But today, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied the information and stated that the crossing “will remain closed until further notice”.
Israel says the opening will depend on Hamas fulfilling the conditions of the agreement, namely the return of the bodies of Israeli hostages who remain missing.
The Rafah crossing has been practically closed since May last year, when Israeli forces took control of the Palestinian side (it was briefly reopened at the beginning of this year, during a temporary ceasefire). Since then, international aid has been funneled through the Kerem Shalom point, where aid workers report delays and restrictions.
The prolonged closure of this crossing has worsened the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. After two years of war and blockade, the United Nations World Food Program estimates that around 560 tons of food enter the territory daily, far below what is needed. In August, an international organization warned of the existence of famine in Gaza City. Local authorities say more than 400 people have died from malnutrition, figures Israel disputes.
Israel guarantees that it is not limiting the entry of aid, but humanitarian organizations argue that the reopening of the Rafah crossing is essential to avoid a worsening of the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. But there is no certainty about when it will open again: tomorrow, Monday or until Israel decides.