Reopening of Rafah crossing turns into impasse between Israel and Palestine

According to the statement, access has been practically closed since May 2024. The decision seeks to facilitate the return of Palestinian citizens, according to the Palestinian Embassy in Egypt.

A few hours later, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office denied the reopening. And he stated, in a statement, that “the Gaza crossing through Rafah will remain closed until further notice”, as reported by Reuters.

The opening of the crossing will be considered based on the manner in which Hamas fulfills its part in the return of the dead hostages and the implementation of the agreed framework Israel, in a note to AFP

Israel imposes conditions to reopen Rafah

Netanyahu’s office reinforced that the reopening will only take place after Hamas hands over the bodies of all deceased hostages still in Gaza. The statement added: “The reopening will be considered based on how Hamas will fulfill its obligations to return hostages and the bodies of the deceased, and to enforce the terms agreed in the ceasefire.”

Israeli authorities told AFP on Thursday that, in the event of reopening, only the transit of people would be allowed — and not the transport of humanitarian aid. Israel took control of the Palestinian side of the crossing on May 7, 2024, claiming that the site was being “used for terrorist purposes” and could be used for arms smuggling.