Israel has finally decided to partially reopen the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza, after years of it being shut down nearly completely. The move comes amid mounting appeals from humanitarian organizations desperate to get aid into the besieged territory.
The crossing, which lies on one of the main lifelines connecting the Gaza Strip with the outside world, will now allow pedestrians to pass through, but restrictions are in place. Despite months of lobbying by international bodies, there is no indication that this move is a sign that Israel plans to ease the crippling blockade further.
The decision has been made by COGAT, the Israeli Ministry of Defence body responsible for coordinating Palestinian civilian affairs. While it acknowledged that aid deliveries would be possible through the crossing, it did not make any mention of allowing an influx of humanitarian aid that has been long overdue in Gaza.
Movement through the crossing is expected to begin on Monday, and only pedestrians will be allowed to pass through. It remains to be seen whether this partial reopening will have a significant impact on the dire living conditions in Gaza or if it's just another step in a slow process of easing restrictions.
The crossing, which lies on one of the main lifelines connecting the Gaza Strip with the outside world, will now allow pedestrians to pass through, but restrictions are in place. Despite months of lobbying by international bodies, there is no indication that this move is a sign that Israel plans to ease the crippling blockade further.
The decision has been made by COGAT, the Israeli Ministry of Defence body responsible for coordinating Palestinian civilian affairs. While it acknowledged that aid deliveries would be possible through the crossing, it did not make any mention of allowing an influx of humanitarian aid that has been long overdue in Gaza.
Movement through the crossing is expected to begin on Monday, and only pedestrians will be allowed to pass through. It remains to be seen whether this partial reopening will have a significant impact on the dire living conditions in Gaza or if it's just another step in a slow process of easing restrictions.