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Gaza residents not expected to pass through Rafah today: Report
More details are emerging on the Rafah crossing’s reopening. While it just opened, a security source told the Israeli newspaper Haaretz that Gaza residents are not expected to pass through it today.
According to the source, “system checks” are being carried out along with the launch of an “initial operating model” in cooperation with Egypt and a European Union delegation tasked with overseeing the Gaza side of the crossing.
According to COGAT, an Israeli military agency, entry into Gaza will be allowed only for Palestinians who left the territory during the genocidal war and who have received prior Israeli security approval.
Meanwhile, at Egypt’s request, exit from Gaza will be permitted only for the sick and wounded along with their escorts.
Israel will also erect a military checkpoint near the crossing on the Gaza side close to the yellow line demcarcation, Haaretz reported. Egypt had opposed placing the checkpoint at or near the border.
A security official said about 150 people per day would be allowed to enter and exit through the crossing, with those traveling to be brought in groups by bus.
Ambulances stand at the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing
80,000 Palestinians want to return to Gaza; 22,000 wounded need to leave
About 80,000 Palestinians who left Gaza during Israel’s war are seeking to return, an official says.
An estimated 22,000 wounded and sick people are also “in dire need” of leaving the Gaza Strip for treatment abroad, Ismail al-Thawabta, director of Gaza’s Government Media Office, told Al Jazeera.
“We are closely monitoring what is happening at the Rafah crossing, and several parties will be overseeing traffic at the crossing,” al-Thawabta said.
Unclear process of Gaza return sways Palestinians to stay
We’ve been walking around Nasser Medical Complex and spoke with people just to get an insight into what they’re thinking now that Rafah crossing is reopening.
There’s this one common thread – a dynamic of wanting to leave through this “lifeline”, this gate to the outside world. But also the fear of not returning because of the Israeli military’s restrictions.
It’s an uncomfortable dynamic. Palestinians want to leave but at the same time they’re worried they won’t be able to come back. People said the purpose for them departing would strictly be for medical evacuation or continuing their education, and they want to come back later on.
Up until now they haven’t been able to make that decision because the process remains unclear.
