Gaza, Feb. 1 (SANA) Authorities overseeing the Rafah land crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt said the crossing was opened on Sunday on a trial basis in both directions, under the supervision of representatives from Egypt and the European Union.
Palestinian media cited Egyptian sources as saying that members of the Palestinian security services arrived early Sunday in the Egyptian city of El Arish, ahead of assuming duties related to managing the crossing in the coming phase, as part of ongoing understandings with the relevant parties.
The move marks the first time the Rafah crossing has opened since the outbreak of the Israeli war on Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023. Beginning Monday, residents of the Gaza Strip will be able to leave the enclave via the crossing, which is the only land passage linking Gaza with the outside world.
The sources said Sunday has been allocated for technical and logistical preparations, including the arrival of a delegation from the Palestinian Authority and the trial transfer of a limited number of wounded people through the crossing.
Full passenger movement is expected to begin on Monday, with up to 150 people departing Gaza daily, while about 50 people are expected to enter the territory, according to the sources.
The sources added that a Palestinian technocratic committee headed by Ali Shaath is expected to enter Gaza through the Rafah crossing in the coming days, in what they described as a step linked to the implementation of the second phase of a U.S.-backed plan related to the situation in the enclave.
