DZWatch Exclusive: The announcement of preparations to potentially open the Rafah crossing has sparked widespread speculation about its implications and scope. Could this signal a transition to the next phase of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza?
According to reports, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former President Donald Trump allegedly agreed to open the Rafah crossing following Netanyahu’s return to Israel. Sources suggest that Israeli authorities have initiated preparations for this move.
Observers note a strong alignment between Trump and Netanyahu, describing their regional approach as a ‘good cop, bad cop’ dynamic. This involves leveraging or threatening force depending on the circumstances.
It’s believed that the understanding between the two leaders centers on imposing a ‘temporary forced truce’ on Gaza during this second phase. This would involve security and humanitarian arrangements without any political resolution. Consequently, any security escalation, particularly in areas controlled by Hamas, could trigger renewed conflict.
This approach doesn’t necessarily represent a shift in the US-Israeli strategy towards Gaza, but rather a tactic to manage the situation while awaiting upcoming Israeli elections. Israel reportedly has no interest in resolving key issues or reaching political settlements before the elections. Instead, it prefers to manage the crisis and prepare for future rounds of conflict.
Furthermore, portraying Israel’s partial commitment to opening crossings and allowing aid as a ‘concession’ is seen as an attempt to mislead mediators into believing there is Israeli flexibility.
Earlier, Israel announced that the Rafah crossing would soon be opened for departures from Gaza only, with Palestinian exits coordinated with Egypt and subject to Israeli security approval. Cairo has denied any coordination with Tel Aviv regarding the crossing.
The opening of the Rafah crossing is seen by some as…
