Gaza’s key mediators warned on Friday that Israel’s plan to open the Rafah crossing in only one direction risks forcing Palestinians from their land. The foreign ministers of Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates said they were “deeply concerned” by Israel’s stated intention to allow only outbound movement from Gaza into Egypt.
They said Israel’s proposal amounted to an attempt to transfer Gaza’s residents and declared their “absolute rejection” of any measure that could lead to displacement. They stressed that no Palestinian should be compelled to leave the territory under any circumstances, calling such moves a dangerous precedent.
The ministers urged that Rafah be reopened in both directions in line with US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for the region. Israel announced on Wednesday that the crossing would open “in the coming days” solely to permit Gazans to exit, presenting the step as a humanitarian measure.
Egypt swiftly denied reaching any agreement, insisting the crossing must operate normally and allow the movement of people and aid in both directions. Reopening Rafah is a central element of the Trump plan and a longstanding demand of UN agencies and humanitarian groups seeking reliable access to Gaza.
However, Israeli authorities have delayed full implementation since the October ceasefire, citing Hamas’s refusal to return the bodies of all hostages and the need for logistical coordination with Egypt. The dispute has deepened regional anxiety, adding diplomatic strain at a moment when Gaza’s fragile truce depends heavily on cross-border cooperation.