The government of Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that it will maintain restrictions at the border crossing and linked any opening to the progress of the hostage agreements.
The border crossing Rafahthe only exit point of the Gaza Strip which is not under Israeli control, will remain closed until further noticeas reported this Saturday by the prime minister’s office Benjamin Netanyahu. The advertisement contradicted the Palestinian embassy in Egyptwhich hours before had anticipated a reopening for Monday.
In a statement, the Israeli government clarified that any decision on the crossing will depend on “the Hamas cooperation in the return of the deceased hostages and in the application of the agreed framework.” The closure prolongs uncertainty for thousands of Palestinians stranded in Egypt and slows the entry of humanitarian aid to the enclave.
Gaza, between the blockade and the humanitarian crisis
The Rafah Pass has remained largely closed from May 2024when Israel suspended aid entry after a spike in attacks. Since then, it has only been enabled during brief truces negotiated with American mediation.
According to data from the World Food Programcurrently some 560 tons of food dailya volume well below what is necessary to cover the basic demands of the population. After more than two years of war, reserves are minimal and prices have skyrocketed.
International organizations warn that the humanitarian situation is critical: In August, a global observatory warned about the presence of famine in Gaza City, although Israel rejected those conclusions and called the reports “biased.”
The Gazan health authorities, for their part, assure that more than 400 people died from causes linked to malnutritiona figure that Tel Aviv considers “exaggerated.” Israel denies having restricted the flow of aid, despite complaints from humanitarian organizations to the contrary.
Source: Ambito
