BREAKING UPDATE: According to reports [1], delegations from the United States and Israel have concluded a meeting in Cairo aimed at discussing the reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, according to Egypt’s al Qahera News TV. The network, citing a senior source, reports that during the talks, Egypt maintained its position that Israel must withdraw from the Gazan side of the Rafah crossing for it to operate again.
The IDF took control of the Gazan side of the crossing from Hamas in early May, and since then, Egypt has refused to allow goods to cross through the terminal. Last week, the IDF reported discovering numerous cross-border tunnels and rocket launchers positioned by Hamas along the border with Egypt. The tweet below allegedly confirms Cairo’s refusal to re-open unless certain stipulations are met:
Live update: Cairo sticks to refusal to reopen Rafah Crossing unless Israel withdraws from Gaza side – Egyptian TV https://t.co/D25Ruf7YnZ [2]
— ToI ALERTS (@TOIAlerts) June 2, 2024 [3]
Earlier Reports: Israeli, Egyptian, and U.S. officials are set to meet [4] in Cairo on Sunday to discuss reopening the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza, according to Egyptian state media and an anonymous Israeli official. This crossing is vital for delivering much-needed humanitarian aid and allowing sick and wounded Palestinians to leave Gaza.
Israel closed the Rafah crossing in early May as it began its military offensive in Rafah, a southern city where around a million displaced Gazans sought refuge. Since then, Egypt has also closed its side of the crossing, with all sides negotiating the reopening to facilitate aid delivery. Recently, some aid managed to enter Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing under a U.S.-brokered agreement.
Despite concerns from allies like the United States, Israel has continued its offensive in Rafah, risking civilian lives. The United Nations reports that over a million Palestinians have fled Rafah in recent weeks. On May 24, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to halt its offensive immediately and ensure humanitarian aid flows through land crossings, especially Rafah.
International outcry intensified after an Israeli bombardment killed dozens in a displaced persons camp in Rafah. Prime Minister Netanyahu called these deaths a “tragic accident.” However, the Israeli military claimed it had gained “operational control” over the border zone with Egypt, an eight-mile strip, and advanced into central Rafah.
Diplomatic tensions have risen between Israel and Egypt, former adversaries now clashing over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Egypt has faced public pressure to adopt a firmer stance against Israel, but there has been little response to Israel’s announcement of taking “tactical control” of the zone.