
The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza is set to reopen soon, pending final preparations on the Palestinian side.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty announced late Monday that Egypt has completed its readiness for the crossing.
However, he noted that the Israeli army had destroyed key infrastructure on Gaza’s side of the border.
Speaking to Al-Qahera News, Abdelatty emphasized the role of European Union observers in overseeing operations at Rafah.
He reiterated Egypt’s commitment to facilitating aid and easing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“Egypt is providing all possible facilities, and aid is currently entering through the Karm Abu Salem crossing,” Abdelatty said.
The Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing has served as an alternative entry point since May 2024, following Israeli occupation of Rafah and destruction of its facilities.
The reopening of Rafah aligns with the January 19 Gaza ceasefire agreement.
The truce paused Israel’s offensive, which claimed over 47,300 Palestinian lives, mostly women and children, and injured more than 111,400 since October 7, 2023.
The ceasefire terms include the daily entry of 600 aid trucks into Gaza and the opening of the Rafah crossing by the seventh day of the truce.
However, logistical challenges have delayed implementation.
Additionally, international legal proceedings are intensifying against Israel.
Arrest warrants for war crimes and crimes against humanity were issued last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.
As Gaza struggles to recover, reopening the Rafah crossing marks a critical step toward alleviating its humanitarian crisis and rebuilding war-torn infrastructure.