Israel, Egypt said to agree to reopen Rafah Crossing following US pressure

Israel and Egypt have agreed to reopen the Rafah Border Crossing in southern Gaza to humanitarian aid for the first time since the IDF took control of the Gazan side of the crossing in early May, the Kan public broadcaster reports.

The agreement was reached as a result of US pressure on both sides, the report adds.

The crossing has been closed since the IDF took control of the Gazan side on May 7, as Egypt said it would refuse to reopen it until it was back under Palestinian control, in order to avoid being seen as complicit with Israel’s military operation in the southernmost Gaza city.

According to the report, Israel agreed to remove its troops from the crossing to allow for it to be reopened and has instead attempted to find an international body to take responsibility for it.

However, as a body has not yet been found, Israel has reportedly agreed to temporarily allow the border crossing to be controlled by Palestinians in Gaza who have been proven to have no ties to Hamas or other terror groups.

In a statement, the office of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant confirms that the issue of the Rafah Crossing was discussed in a call between Gallant and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Wednesday night.

Gallan stressed to Austin that Israel is not opposed to reopening the crossing but will not agree to transfer responsibility to elements with ties to Hamas or other terror groups, his office adds.