Rafah Crossing Begins Trial Operation

GAZA, Feb 1 (Bernama-WAFA) -- A trial operation of the Rafah border crossing, Gaza's only gateway to the outside world on the border with Egypt, began on Sunday morning, marking its first reopening after more than a year and a half of near-total closure during the Israeli aggression, citing local media.

The Palestine News and Info Agency (WAFA) reported that media officer at the European Union office in Jerusalem Shadi Othman said the crossing is undergoing a trial operation on Sunday to facilitate the movement of Palestinians to and from the Gaza Strip.

Speaking to Voice of Palestine Radio, Othman said the primary objective at this stage is to ensure the crossing opens in both directions, allowing passengers to enter and exit smoothly.

He stressed that the legal reference governing the European Union’s role at the Rafah crossing is based on previous agreements, particularly the 2005 Agreement, noting that the EU’s role focuses on monitoring to ensure the implementation of agreed standards.

Othman recalled that the European Union had been present during previous periods when the crossing was opened, especially during the first truce, which allowed a number of residents to leave the Gaza Strip.

On May 7, 2024, the Israeli occupation army advanced into the Rafah land crossing and shut it down completely, leading to a halt in passenger movement and the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip.

-- BERNAMA-WAFA