JERUSALEM, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- Israel's cabinet will discuss reopening the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt "early next week," a senior Israeli official said on Thursday, after the interim Gaza administration declared the crossing would reopen next week.
The official, briefing reporters on condition of anonymity, said the discussion would be tied to ongoing efforts to secure the return of the body of Ran Gvili, believed to be the last hostage whose body is still held in Gaza.
"A special effort is underway to secure the return of the late Ran Guaili, making full use of the information at Israel's disposal," the official stated.
Ali Abdel Hamid Shaath, the Palestinian technocrat heading the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, said earlier on Thursday that the Rafah crossing would open next week in both directions for Palestinians in Gaza, calling it a signal "that Gaza is no longer closed to the future."
Israel does not directly operate the crossing, which is run by Egypt, but maintains significant indirect control through security coordination and political leverage.
The crossing, once a main exit for Palestinians and a key entry point for humanitarian aid, has been mostly closed since May 2024, when Israeli forces took control of the Palestinian side of the crossing. Israel previously said it would open the crossing in both directions once Hamas returns all the hostages. ■
