Rafah border to Gaza to open ‘in coming days
Israel on Wednesday announced a partial opening of the major Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt as part of a ceasefire deal with the Hamas militant group, but only for Palestinians wanting to leave the territory.
“In accordance with the ceasefire agreement and a directive of the political echelon, the Rafah Crossing will open in the coming days exclusively for the exit of residents from the Gaza Strip to Egypt,” said the COGAT authority, which is in charge of implementing Israeli policy in the Palestinian Territories.
“The residents’ exit through the Rafah Crossing will be facilitated through coordination with Egypt, following security approval by Israel and under the supervision of the European Union mission,” it said.
COGAT noted that this was similar to a mechanism that existed in January 2025, when the border was briefly opened to allow the evacuation of injured Gazans, and then shut again.
The opening of the border to Egypt has been delayed multiple times since it was first announced following the signing of the ceasefire deal on October 10.
Since then, Palestinians have only been able to leave the Gaza Strip via the Kerem Shalom crossing under strict restrictions.
Israel does not want Rafah to serve as a crossing to allow humanitarian aid deliveries, which mainly arrive in Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing.
The EU plans to contribute to monitoring operations at Rafah via its civilian Border Assistance Mission, once the crossing has opened.
(dpa/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Focus on criminals, stop targeting journalists, CPJ tells Nigerian security agencies
She also pointed out harsh bail requirements imposed on journalists, describing Mr Ugagbe’s bail conditions as “utterly punitive.”
Education
Tinubu upgrades Nasarawa poly to university
Mr Onanuga said the approval followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Aliyu, who represents the Nasarawa West Senatorial District.
Lagos
Lagos govt signs agreement to automate vehicle registration
Mr Osiyemi said the initiative would simplify and speed up vehicle registration by eliminating cumbersome processes.
States
Three rescued, one body recovered as building collapses in Kano
The PRO attributed the collapse to the use of poor and substandard building materials.
NationWide
FG calls for stronger African collaboration to combat illicit wealth, transnational corruption
Mr Fagbemi added that the recovery and transparent management of proceeds of crime remained a key pillar of the country’s anti-corruption policy.
Heading 2
FG reiterates commitment to ensuring safe return of Nigerians from South Africa
“The last evacuation flight, which is expected to bring home approximately 300 of our nationals, is expected to arrive in Nigeria next week,” Mr Ebienfa said.
