Biden says bombed Rafah should be able to reopen in 24-48 hours

By Jacob Magid

You will receive email alerts from this author. Manage alert preferences on your profile page

You will no longer receive email alerts from this author. Manage alert preferences on your profile page

20 October 2023, 8:42 pm Edit

Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief

This picture taken on October 19, 2023 shows the closed gate to the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, in the southern Gaza Strip. (Mohammed Abed/AFP)

After initially saying that Egypt’s Rafah crossing into Gaza would be reopened today, US President Joe Biden speculates to reporters ahead of a meeting with the European Union’s leadership at the White House that the border will reopen in 24 to 48 hours.

“I got a commitment from the Israelis and the president of Egypt that the crossing will be open,” Biden says.

“The highway had to be repaved, and it was in very bad shape…and I believe in the next 24 to 48 hours, the first 20 trucks will come across the border,” Biden says.