Ali Shaath, head of the National Committee for the Management of Gaza, announced on Thursday that the Rafah land crossing will open starting next week.
Shaath stated on his Facebook account that “the Rafah crossing will open starting next week as part of efforts to facilitate movement to and from the Gaza Strip.”
The Rafah crossing is the main land gateway for Gaza residents. Located in the city of Rafah in the far south of the Strip, it connects Gaza to Egypt and serves as the only route for thousands of citizens to travel abroad for medical treatment, study, and work.
Since May 2024, the Israeli occupation has controlled the Rafah crossing following the attack on the city of Rafah. The crossing has not been opened to civilians since then, despite repeated promises to open it within the framework of ceasefire agreements.
The Islamic Resistance Movement “Hamas” has repeatedly demanded the opening of the land crossing for travelers in both directions, considering the step a requirement of the ceasefire agreement.
A ceasefire agreement between Hamas and the Zionist entity has been in effect in the Gaza Strip since October 10. Its first phase included an exchange of prisoners and detainees between the two sides, the entry of humanitarian aid into the Strip, and the withdrawal of Israeli army forces from some of its areas.
The second phase of the proposed peace plan includes the complete withdrawal of the Zionist occupation from Gaza, the start of reconstruction operations, and the establishment of a transitional governing body in the Strip.
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