The Rafah border crossing began operating in both directions on Monday morning for the passage of individuals between Egypt and the Gaza Strip.
This was described as a limited and partial step, following a complete closure in the Palestinian side that lasted for approximately 21 months after Israel shut it down in May 2014.
The National Committee for the Administration of the Gaza Strip announced the start of the trial operation of Rafah border crossing in both directions on Monday.
The move has been called an important step towards regulating passage and alleviating the humanitarian burdens on Gaza’s residents, within the committee’s responsibilities for managing and regulating crossing affairs.
In an official statement, the committee explained that the operation of the crossing follows the completion of the necessary arrangements to ensure organized and safe passage.
The Associated Press reported an Egyptian official as saying that 50 Palestinians crossed in each direction on the first day of the crossing’s operation, while field sources confirmed the arrival of a Palestinian bus at the crossing to transport those returning to Gaza Strip.
The European Commission announced its presence at Rafah crossing to monitor crossing operations.
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, said that opening the crossing was a “positive step,” emphasizing that the EU mission was there to oversee the implementation of procedures and ensure their adherence to existing understandings.
Flow of aid to resume
Hamas leader Ghazi Hamad warned that the conditions imposed by the Israeli authorities were hindering the passage of travelers through Rafah crossing, indicating that Israel did not genuinely want to open the crossing smoothly and efficiently.
North Sinai Governor Khaled Meghawer meanwhile confirmed that his governorate is responsible for facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid and relief trucks into the Gaza Strip and for receiving wounded Palestinians.
During an inspection tour of the Egyptian side of Rafah border crossing, the governor noted that 1,200 Palestinian patients and their companions had completed their treatment in Egyptian hospitals, and 50 of these Palestinians began returning to Gaza the first day the Rafah crossing reopened.
Sources indicated that the crossing is being managed entirely by Egyptian personnel on the Egyptian side, while the Palestinian side is overseen by staff from the Palestinian Authority and a delegation from the European Union.
Egyptian Red Crescent volunteers provided various services to Palestinians at the crossing, facilitating their return to the Gaza Strip, providing wheelchairs for the elderly and sick, and distributing gifts to children.
Tribal leaders and elders praised the Egyptian efforts in reopening the Rafah border crossing from the Palestinian side.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
