PM spokesman denies reports PA managing Rafah crossing, says only role ‘is the PA stamp on passports’

After reports that the Palestinian Authority is involved in running the Rafah Crossing from Egypt into Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s spokesman issues a denial while acknowledging a minor PA role at the key site.

“The Palestinian Authority does not operate the Rafah Crossing, despite the narrative it is trying to create,” writes Omer Dostri on X.

Netanyahu has consistently pledged that Israel would retain control over the site.

“Nothing has changed in the management of civilian affairs in Gaza since the beginning of the war, including at the Rafah Crossing,” Dostri continues.

“The only involvement of the PA is the PA stamp on passports, which according to the international arrangement only allows Gazans to leave for other countries or to be absorbed into them.”

Ynet reported that nine PA police officers are back at the crossing, managing the site alongside Egyptian and European officials.

A 2005 agreement between Israel and the PA stipulates that Rafah Crossing would be controlled by the PA under EU supervision.

After a January report in a Saudi outlet that Israel would allow the PA to manage the crossing under international supervision, the PMO issued a similar statement, noting that “non-Hamas Gazans” provide technical management of the crossing with international oversight, and the PA provides the stamp on passports allowing Gazans to exit the Strip.