RAMALLAH, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian security forces said Tuesday that the Palestinian Authority (PA) is prepared to take over operations at the Rafah crossing once it reopens, in line with a 2005 agreement and under the supervision of a European Union mission.
PA security forces' spokesperson Anwar Rajab told Xinhua that the crossing is still awaiting an Israeli decision on the opening date and the completion of necessary technical arrangements. He denied reports that the crossing would open on Tuesday.
"The Palestinian side, through the police and relevant authorities, is fully ready to operate the crossing under the 2005 agreement, with the EU mission present," Rajab said.
Meanwhile, Amjad al-Shawa, director of the NGO Network in Gaza, said arrangements are being made for the crossing's reopening and that lists of patients scheduled to travel are being prepared. He added that most of those expected to leave Gaza will be patients, while Israel will impose strict procedures on anyone seeking to return.
Israeli media reported that the crossing could partially reopen next Sunday for operational, coordination, and inspection purposes, without allowing entry or exit. Limited passage for residents may not begin until the following Thursday, primarily for around 150 patients and injured individuals transferring to Egypt for medical treatment.
About 84,000 Gazans are currently in Egypt and hope to return once the crossing reopens, according to reports.
Israel announced Sunday that it would allow a "limited" reopening of Rafah under full Israeli control. A statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office had conditioned the move on the return of the remains of Ran Gvili, the last Israeli hostage held in Gaza. On Monday, the Israeli military confirmed it had recovered Gvili's body during search operations in Gaza City.
Rafah, Gaza's main land crossing, links the Strip to Egypt and is the only route for Palestinians to travel abroad for medical care, education, or work. Israel has controlled the crossing since May 2024, following military operations in the city. It has remained closed to civilians despite repeated commitments to reopen it under ceasefire agreements. ■
