Hamas calls for Rafah crossing reopening to Egypt

Hamas Calls for Rafah Crossing Reopening

GAZA CITY – The Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas has renewed its demand for the immediate reopening of the Rafah border crossing to Egypt. This measure was previously agreed upon by Israel without setting a timeframe, according to a statement released by Hamas.

Hamas is calling for the 'immediate transition to the second phase' of the US-brokered ceasefire in Gaza. This phase includes the reopening of Rafah in both directions and the entry of a recently appointed technocratic Palestinian committee to manage the territory.

The Rafah crossing, located on Egypt's southern border with Gaza, is the only entry/exit point not controlled by Israel. It lies within the area withdrawn by Israeli forces following the ceasefire deal, known as the 'Yellow Line.'

Despite the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, Israel has yet to formally announce when Rafah will reopen. Earlier this month, Israel stated that Rafah would reopen after retrieving the remains of a hostage held in Gaza. However, the reopening is currently limited to pedestrians and no specific date has been set.

Hamas also urged the guarantors of the ceasefire – Egypt, the US, Qatar, and Turkey – to exert 'serious pressure' on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to prevent him from obstructing the fragile deal. Both Hamas and Israel accuse each other of violating the truce regularly.

Source: AFP/dc