Israel has announced it is partially reopening the Rafah crossing between the devastated Gaza Strip and Egypt following months of urging from humanitarian organisations, although the initial access will be limited to the movement of people. Rafah is considered a key entry point for supplies into the Palestinian territory, where humanitarian conditions remain dire after two years of war in spite of a ceasefire.
COGAT, the Israeli defence ministry body coordinating Palestinian civilian affairs, made no mention of allowing in a long hoped-for surge of aid, and clarified that the passage of individuals through the gateway in both directions was expected to begin Monday.
