"Preparations to reopen Gaza's main border crossing into Rafah began on Sunday though it was uncertain if any Palestinians would pass through it before the day's end, officials have said. Before the war, the Rafah border crossing with Egypt was the only direct exit point for most Palestinians in Gaza to reach the outside world as well as a key entry point for aid. It has been largely shut since May 2024."
"Cogat, the Israeli military unit that oversees humanitarian coordination, said the crossing will reopen in both directions for people in Gaza on foot only and its operation will be coordinated with Egypt and the EU. As part of the pilot for the initial operation of the crossing, all involved parties are carrying out a series of preliminary preparations aimed at increasing readiness for full operation of the crossing, Cogat said on Sunday."
"Israel has said the crossing would open under stringent security checks only for Palestinians who wish to leave the war-ravaged territory and for those who fled the fighting in the first months of the war to return. Many of those expected to leave are sick and wounded people in need of medical care abroad. The Palestinian health ministry has said there are about 20,000 patients waiting to leave Gaza."
Preparations began to reopen Gaza's Rafah border crossing for pedestrian movement, coordinated with Egypt and the EU. The crossing had been largely closed since May 2024, previously serving as Gaza's primary direct exit and an aid entry point. A pilot operation involves preliminary measures to increase readiness before residents can pass in both directions. Reopening will allow Palestinians to leave or return under stringent security checks, prioritizing sick and wounded patients needing medical care abroad; about 20,000 patients reportedly await transfer. The crossing's holding capacity is estimated at 150–200 people simultaneously, with more departures expected than returns.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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