Daijiworld Media Network – Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Oct 16: Israel’s military aid agency COGAT on Thursday said that preparations are underway with Egypt to reopen the Rafah border crossing with Gaza for the movement of people. However, the date for reopening will be announced later.

Earlier, Israel had warned that it could keep the Rafah crossing closed and restrict aid to Gaza, accusing Hamas of delaying the return of bodies of deceased hostages. The warning has cast uncertainty over the fragile ceasefire that ended two years of devastating conflict and ensured the release of all living hostages held by Hamas.

COGAT, which oversees aid flow into Gaza, said humanitarian supplies continue to enter the enclave through the Kerem Shalom crossing with Israel and other entry points.

“It should be emphasised that humanitarian aid will not pass through the Rafah crossing. This was never agreed upon at any stage,” COGAT stated.

According to two sources cited by Reuters on Wednesday, the Rafah crossing was initially expected to open for people’s movement on Thursday, but the plan has now been delayed pending further coordination between Israel and Egypt.