Background on the Rafah Border Crossing
The Rafah border crossing is the sole entry and exit point between the Gaza Strip and the outside world, bypassing Israel. This crossing has been under Israeli control since the military withdrawal at the beginning of the ceasefire that took effect on October 10, following over two years of conflict with the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.
Key Details of the Announcement
- Reopening: The crossing will reopen on Sunday for limited and controlled passage of individuals.
- Coordination: The exit from and entry into Gaza through Rafah will be coordinated with Egypt, subject to Israeli security approval.
- Supervision: The process will be supervised by the EU mission, with Israeli security completing oversight in a designated corridor under partial military control.
- Target Group: Only Palestinians who left Gaza during the war will be allowed to return.
Reactions and Context
Palestinians in Gaza, the United Nations, and numerous humanitarian organizations eagerly anticipate the reopening of this border crossing to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation in the territory.
Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), urged for an “urgent improvement” of the critical humanitarian situation in Gaza through a statement.
However, Israel’s announcement falls short of meeting Hamas’ and the United Nations’ demands. A dozen countries, including France, Canada, and the United Kingdom, called on Israel to allow unhindered humanitarian aid entry into Gaza on Wednesday.
The ceasefire remains fragile, as evidenced by recent events. On Friday, the Israeli military reported conducting airstrikes in Rafah and eliminating three individuals who emerged from a tunnel in southern Gaza.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Rafah border crossing? It is the only entry and exit point between Gaza and the outside world, bypassing Israel.
- When will it reopen? The crossing will temporarily reopen on Sunday for limited and controlled passage of individuals.
- Who can cross? Only Palestinians who left Gaza during the war will be allowed to return.
- Who is coordinating the reopening? The exit from and entry into Gaza through Rafah will be coordinated with Egypt, subject to Israeli security approval.
- Who is supervising the process? The EU mission will oversee the process, with Israeli security completing oversight in a designated corridor under partial military control.
- What are the reactions? Palestinians, the UN, and humanitarian organizations welcome the news, while a group of countries urged Israel to allow unhindered humanitarian aid entry into Gaza.
