Al Arabiya sources ruled out opening the Rafah crossing on Thursday, and expected its work to begin in the middle of next week.
The sources suggested that the opening will be postponed until next week, due to security and logistical complications in the process of transporting passengers and goods between Gaza and Egypt. The sources confirmed that political efforts are being made in the meantime to overcome the obstacles preventing the opening of the crossing.
This comes as a new convoy launched from Egypt, on Thursday, carrying relief and food supplies to the Gaza Strip. The convoy’s cargo included food and flour, in addition to medical and relief supplies.
Cairo News Channel reported that “aid trucks were moving in preparation for their entry into the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Abu Salem and Al-Awja crossings.”
She added that hundreds of trucks are expected to enter the Gaza Strip today, noting that this aid is being collected in coordination with the Egyptian Red Crescent and the National Alliance for Civil Development Action, in addition to the international aid that comes through the port of Al-Arish.
She pointed out that the process of introducing humanitarian aid into the Palestinian territories has witnessed a major and tangible breakthrough since the signing of the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Agreement, explaining that during the past two days, 400 trucks were transported, loaded with tons of food, medicine, and children’s milk, in addition to the entry of gas and energy trucks.
The head of the Egyptian Information Service, Diaa Rashwan, confirmed that the Rafah crossing is ready to operate from the Egyptian side, indicating that Israel was the one who postponed the opening of the crossing from the Gaza side.
