Israel on Sunday started a trial reopening of Gaza's Rafah border crossing with Egypt, nearly two years after its closure during the Gaza conflict.
The move marks the start of the second phase of the U.S.-sponsored ceasefire agreement signed last October in Egypt's Sharm El Sheikh.
The trial aims to complete the final procedures and logistical preparations for the long-awaited official reopening of the Rafah border on Monday. It will focus on testing the mechanism for the two-way movement of Palestinians between Gaza and Egypt.
On the same day, the Palestinian Commission for the Administration of Gaza entered the territory to begin its mission. Meanwhile, dozens of injured Palestinians are crossing into Egypt to receive medical treatment.
Thousands have applied for permission to travel, but it remains unclear how many will be allowed to cross in either direction. Sources say the number could be limited to a few hundred people per day.
Operations at the Rafah crossing are being coordinated by an EU delegation, Palestinian officials, and Egyptian authorities, while Israel carries out a three-stage security screening process for those entering Gaza.
Rafah is a vital gateway for both people and humanitarian aid. It is Gaza’s only outlet as the enclave faces a severe humanitarian crisis, after more than 70,000 Palestinians have been killed over just more than two years of war.
The partial reopening comes against the backdrop of renewed Israeli military escalation. Israeli strikes on Saturday killed dozens of Palestinians, most of them women and children. The attacks have drawn international condemnation, including from Egypt, which accused the Israeli side of provocative actions that violate the ceasefire agreement.
Israel begins trial reopening of Gaza's Rafah border crossing with Egypt
Israel begins trial reopening of Gaza's Rafah border crossing with Egypt
