An Israeli diplomatic source noted Thursday that the Rafah crossing could open next week in both directions after technical arrangements have wrapped up to guarantee complete Israeli command over those traversing it. Israel has recently reported on this prospect being in the works.
The statement as made after Ali Shaath, chairman the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza tasked with running the Gaza Strip as part of the Donald Trump's Board of Peace, said Thursday that the Rafah crossing's opening would take place this coming Monday on both the Israeli and Palestinian sides,
According to the Israeli diplomat who reacted to this statement, said Israel would have the necessary security level to allow the opening because of remote surveillance using cameras and additional tools for monitoring those entering and leaving, with their names and ID papers submitted ahead for Israel's clearance. Moreover, the IDF will maintain a presence around the crossing's perimeter, requiring all travelers to navigate an Israeli checkpoint.
Furthermore, the diplomatic source noted that the move to open the crossing stems from American appeals to facilitate the handover from Hamas to the interim Palestinian government.
Addressing the matter of deceased hostage Ran Gvili, the source indicated that new developments in his repatriation could emerge soon. "We have not reached the end of Phase A of the Trump Plan; we are preventing the start of Gaza's physical reconstruction and the entry of supplies that are not basic products. There will be no further withdrawal as long as there is no completion of Hamas' disarmament."
It is worth mentioning that Israel had made the crossing's reopening contingent on finishing Phase A of the Trump Plan – specifically the repatriation of Gvili, though during the summit between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago, that condition was removed.
