Gaza: The head of a Palestinian committee tasked with managing the Gaza Strip announced that mechanisms for registration and priorities for Palestinians crossing the Rafah terminal with Egypt will soon be outlined. This move aims to ensure transparency and equal opportunity for those wishing to cross.
According to Anadolu Agency, Ali Shaath, head of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, emphasized that the reopening of the Rafah crossing is more than an administrative measure. It signifies the beginning of a hopeful path for Gaza's residents, offering them a genuine window of hope. The Rafah crossing, a critical border point between Gaza and Egypt, partially reopened on Monday after nearly two years of closure by Israel under stringent conditions.
Shaath stated that the crossing's operation represents a cooperative achievement involving partners committed to facilitating movement. This effort is part of Gaza's 20-point plan, which was initiated by US President Donald Trump. The committee is actively working with mediators, the Palestinian Authority, and the Board of Peace led by President Trump to use this development as a stepping stone towards broader arrangements for stability and the restoration of essential services in Gaza.
The registration mechanisms, priority criteria, and travel schedules will be disseminated through official channels to maintain transparency and organization among citizens. Shaath praised Egypt's significant role in opening the crossing in both directions and extended gratitude to the mediators who contributed to this process.
The reopening of the crossing is expected to be a vital outlet for humanitarian cases, including patients and wounded individuals requiring medical treatment abroad, as well as students and families seeking reunification. Israeli media reports indicate that around 150 Palestinians will be permitted to leave Gaza, and 50 will be allowed entry daily via the crossing.
Gaza health officials estimate that approximately 22,000 patients are waiting for the crossing to fully reopen to access medical treatment abroad. The Rafah crossing is crucial for humanitarian aid, having been captured by Israel in May 2024 during its war on the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in over 71,000 deaths and more than 171,000 injuries since October 2023.
The terminal's reopening was initially scheduled for October under a ceasefire deal's first phase, but Israel delayed it until the release of its last captive in Gaza, which was finalized last week.
Despite the ceasefire, Israel has continued its attacks, killing 524 people and injuring 1,360 others since October 10, according to Gaza's media office.