Rafah border crossing set to reopen following ceasefire agreement
13 oC
13 oC
Güneşli
13 oC
Güneşli
Repairs are actively underway on the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing, with a senior Egyptian official announcing plans for its reopening within days to enhance aid delivery into Gaza.
The crossing was significantly damaged during a 15-month Israeli military offensive, which concluded with a ceasefire on Sunday.
The ceasefire, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, stipulates that the Rafah crossing will resume operations on the seventh day of its implementation, set for this coming Saturday. North Sinai Governor Major General Khaled Mogahed, following an inspection on Tuesday, confirmed to Al-Watan newspaper that "The Rafah border crossing will open from both sides in the coming days, allowing for greater aid access."
Under the terms of the ceasefire, 600 aid trucks are to enter Gaza daily, aiming to alleviate the severe humanitarian crisis in the region, which has been under an 18-year Israeli blockade. The agreement also sets a framework for further negotiations between Hamas and Israel.
Since May 24, aid has been rerouted through the Kerem Shalom crossing due to Israeli control over Rafah, which saw parts of the crossing damaged and set on fire during military operations. The current repairs at Rafah are intended to facilitate smoother humanitarian aid access.
The ceasefire, now in its first 42-day phase, also includes provisions for prisoner exchanges and sets the stage for additional negotiation phases.
Israeli genocidal aggression has led to devastating human loss, with nearly 47,000 Palestinians, primarily women and children, killed, and over 110,700 injured since October 7, 2023, as reported by local health authorities in Gaza.
In related international legal actions, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is facing allegations of genocide at the International Court of Justice concerning its military actions in the enclave. (ILKHA)
LEGAL WARNING: All rights of the published news, photos and videos are reserved by İlke Haber Ajansı Basın Yayın San. Trade A.Ş. Under no circumstances can all or part of the news, photos and videos be used without a written contract or subscription.
The eighth meeting of the Moscow Format consultations on Afghanistan will be held in the Russian capital on Oct. 5, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Wednesday.
At least five Palestinians were martyred and 13 others wounded on Wednesday when an Israeli strike targeted a public transport bus in Gaza City's Tal al-Hawa neighborhood, according to local Palestinian sources.
Palestinians in the Gaza Strip continue to endure a devastating humanitarian and economic crisis, with widespread destruction of homes, businesses, agricultural land and essential infrastructure leaving hundreds of thousands dependent on humanitarian assistance and depriving the territory of much of its ability to sustain normal civilian life.
At least five people were killed and 30 others injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday, as Russia launched another large-scale missile and drone assault on Kyiv and surrounding regions.
