Rafah Border Crossing can't Reopen Unless Israeli Forces Quit Gaza Side, Egypt says

The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt remains closed as Egypt demands Israel relinquish control to Palestinian authorities, highlighting ongoing regional tensions and humanitarian concerns.

The Rafah border crossing, crucial for aid deliveries into Gaza from Egypt, remains inoperative unless Israel relinquishes control and hands it back to Palestinian authorities, stated Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Monday. 

During a press conference with his Spanish counterpart in Madrid, Shoukry emphasized that the Rafah crossing cannot function effectively without Palestinian administration. The crossing serves as a vital link to the outside world for Gaza's 2.3 million residents, who are largely cut off due to the ongoing Israeli blockade.

Last month, Israel seized control of Gaza's entire border with Egypt, including the Rafah crossing, during its offensive against Hamas in Rafah. This action has intensified the already critical humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Shoukry highlighted the importance of the 1979 Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty, calling it a cornerstone for regional security and stability. He urged all parties to act responsibly to uphold this treaty.

The situation has been further strained by the recent death of an Egyptian soldier in a cross-border exchange of fire. Egyptian security sources reported that Israeli forces, while pursuing Palestinian militants, crossed a boundary line, leading to the fatal incident.

Despite the tensions, a meeting on Sunday involving U.S., Egyptian, and Israeli officials was described as positive, although no agreement was reached on reopening the crossing. Egyptian delegates suggested they might accept European monitors to oversee the border's operation by Palestinian authorities if the Palestinians agreed to resume management of the crossing.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israeli forces are focused on destroying tunnels between Gaza and Egypt, which they believe Hamas uses for smuggling weapons and possibly for escape routes. However, Egypt has denied the existence of such tunnels.

The blockade of Gaza, jointly upheld by Egypt and Israel since Hamas took control in 2007, has significantly affected Gaza's population. Shoukry urged both Hamas and Israel to accept a ceasefire proposal presented by U.S. President Joe Biden, noting that Hamas's initial response was positive. He indicated that they are awaiting Israel's reply.

An aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned that Israel had accepted the framework for ending the Gaza conflict but acknowledged that it requires further refinement.

The situation at the Rafah crossing remains a critical issue as international efforts continue to negotiate a resolution that would allow humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza and alleviate the suffering of its residents.