Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egyptian authorities have revealed new operational plans for the Rafah border crossing with Gaza, including the movement of humanitarian aid and the facilitation of Palestinian travel, following coordination with U.S. and international mediators. A senior Egyptian official told media outlets on Tuesday that the agreement provides for up to 1,000 aid trucks to enter Gaza daily once all crossings are opened, ensuring delivery of essential supplies across the territory.
The official clarified that the Rafah crossing itself will be dedicated to the movement of individuals, while cargo shipments will primarily enter through the Kerem Abu Salem, Al-Ouja, and Nitsana crossings, with the potential addition of the Zikim crossing via Jordan. Priority for movement through Rafah will be given to patients, with up to 200 individuals per day registered through the World Health Organization.
Preparations at the Rafah terminal include the establishment of a designated exit corridor for travelers, secured with barbed wire, and facilities for returning Palestinians approximately 30 meters west of the border. Temporary structures have been installed on the Palestinian side, enclosed by an eight-meter wall, to manage arrivals and departures efficiently.
European monitoring personnel and Palestinian staff have already arrived at the crossing in preparation for operations. Under the agreed procedures, Israel will receive daily lists of individuals crossing Rafah, which it can review remotely through its security apparatus, but will not conduct direct physical inspections. The crossing is reported as fully ready to operate in both directions, although no formal order has yet been issued from Palestinian authorities.
Egypt is also preparing extensive medical support for incoming patients. Five ambulances have arrived from the Egyptian Ministry of Health to North Sinai, with more to follow, alongside mobile clinics stationed at Rafah to conduct medical screenings upon arrival. The Egyptian government has instructed local authorities to provide accommodations for visiting medical staff, particularly specialists in rare or critical fields, and to facilitate treatment or safe return to Gaza for recovered patients.
This announcement follows reports from the Israeli Army Radio that Israel’s security cabinet has approved limited crossings at Rafah allowing Gazans to enter Egypt without direct Israeli security inspections, under the supervision of a European Union mission and Palestinian Authority staff, with Israeli oversight conducted remotely.
The agreement marks a significant development in easing humanitarian access to Gaza amid ongoing tensions, reflecting coordinated Egyptian, Palestinian, and international efforts to ensure aid delivery while maintaining security oversight.
