Netanyahu pours cold water on claims that Gaza’s Rafah crossing will reopen
Rafah crossing to remain closed until further notice, says Netanyahu
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the Rafah crossing into Gaza will remain closed until further notice.
- This contradicts an earlier claim by the Palestinian embassy in Egypt that the crossing would reopen on Monday.
- Mr Netanyahu's office stated that reopening depends on Hamas returning the bodies of deceased hostages.
- The crossing has been largely closed since May 2024, with a brief reopening in early 2025, hindering crucial humanitarian aid.
- Aid workers report significant obstacles at the alternative Kerem Shalom crossing, despite Israel's denial of limiting aid, exacerbating Gaza's severe humanitarian crisis.