Gaza War: Israel To Reopen Rafah Crossing; Takes Big Decision After Two Years

Jerusalem: The discovery of the remains of the last Israeli hostage from Gaza has paved the way for the second phase of the ceasefire. Meanwhile, Israel has decided to reopen the Rafah crossing, which connects Gaza to Egypt. Movement through this crossing will resume on February 1st, after being closed for nearly two years. COGAT, the Israeli body responsible for aid and coordination in Gaza, said on Friday that limited movement would initially be permitted through this route.

What condition had Israel set?

COGAT said that those returning to Gaza from Egypt would be given priority. This includes those who went to Egypt with Israel's permission during the war. The Rafah crossing is the main exit route for Gaza's population of approximately 2 million people. Israel closed this route in May 2024. Israel had stated that it would only reopen the crossing after the remains of its last hostage were recovered.

Individuals crossing this border will be inspected by both Israel and Egypt, with monitoring by European Union border patrol officers. Palestinians who left Gaza during the war will be allowed to return after receiving Israeli security clearance. Israel had initially opposed reopening the border crossing, but the recovery of the last hostage's remains in Gaza on Monday cleared the way for this development.

Will India be helpful in the peace process?

Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki said on Friday that Palestine might not object to US President Donald Trump's idea of ​​"reconstructing" the Gaza Strip, but only if such a plan benefits the Palestinians and is not imposed upon them. He added that India's participation in President Trump's "peace board" could prove helpful. Responding to a question about Trump's idea of ​​making the Gaza Strip a "popular tourist destination in the Middle East," Shaheen said, "It should be a popular destination for its own people. I mean, why not? If it's a popular destination for Gazans, for Palestinians to enjoy, then fine. But if it's for others to enjoy without the Palestinians, then we say no to that."

His remarks come amidst global focus on the "reconstruction" of Gaza and the proposed US-led "peace board" suggested by Trump. While welcoming any efforts to bring peace, Shaheen emphasized that the idea of ​​rebuilding Gaza cannot be separated from Palestinian political rights. Shaheen is on a visit to India to attend the India-Arab Foreign Ministers' meeting, where he said the Palestinian issue would be a priority in their discussions.