The Palestinian Embassy in Egypt announced on Saturday that the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt would reopen on Monday for individuals returning to Gaza. However, the crossing will remain closed for those attempting to leave Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office quickly responded, stating that the reopening of the Rafah crossing is postponed until further notice, pending Hamas’s compliance with returning all deceased hostages’ bodies.
Initially, Israel’s Foreign Affairs Ministry had indicated that the crossing might reopen on Sunday as part of the ongoing ceasefire efforts. The Rafah crossing, which was under non-Israeli control before the conflict, has been shut down since May 2024 when Israel assumed control of the Gaza side.
The reopening of the Rafah crossing would facilitate easier access for Gazans seeking medical treatment, travel, or family visits in Egypt, where a significant Palestinian population resides. The operational responsibilities for the damaged Gaza side of the crossing post-conflict are yet to be determined.
Hamas condemned Netanyahu’s decision, labeling it a breach of the ceasefire agreement and reneging on commitments made to mediators. The continued closure of the Rafah crossing hampers the entry of necessary equipment for locating and retrieving additional hostage remains, further delaying the recovery process.
Gaza’s Health Ministry reported an increasing death toll, surpassing 68,000 individuals, with many still missing following the ceasefire. The ministry’s casualty records, though not distinguishing between civilians and combatants, are considered reliable by UN bodies and experts. Discrepancies persist as Israel disputes the figures without presenting its own count.
Additionally, the U.S. State Department warned of an impending attack by Hamas against Gaza residents, emphasizing the need for Hamas to uphold the ceasefire terms. Israel received the remains of deceased hostages from Hamas, a critical step in the ceasefire process. However, Israel urges a swifter return of the remaining hostages’ bodies, while logistical challenges persist in the repatriation process.
Hamas accused Israel of ceasefire violations, citing the deaths of Palestinians post-agreement implementation. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza necessitates increased aid flow, the full reopening of the Rafah border crossing, and swift reconstruction efforts. Despite commitments to aid distribution, logistical constraints and Israeli restrictions persist in Gaza.
Throughout the conflict, Israel has faced criticism for limiting aid access to Gaza, leading to food insecurity and malnutrition-related deaths. Allegations of food theft by Hamas have been refuted by international aid organizations, underscoring the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.