Netanyahu Orders Rafah Border Crossing Closed ‘Until Further Notice’ After Palestinian Embassy Announces Reopening | World News

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday (local time) ordered the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt to remain closed “until further notice”, shortly after the Palestinian Embassy in Cairo announced that the crossing would reopen on Monday, October 20.

In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu linked the continued closure of the Rafah crossing to the return of the bodies of Israeli hostages and Hamas’ compliance with the previously agreed framework.

Israeli PMO said, “Prime Minister Netanyahu has instructed that the Rafah border gate should not be opened until further notice. The opening of the gate will be evaluated in accordance with the way Hamas has fulfilled its part in exchange for the dead hostages and the implementation of the agreed framework.” he said.

Previously, the Palestinian Embassy in Cairo had stated that, following coordination with Egyptian authorities, the Rafah crossing would reopen from Monday to facilitate the return of Palestinian citizens residing in Egypt to the Gaza Strip.

In the official statement made by the embassy, ​​”The Embassy of the State of Palestine in Cairo, after contacting the relevant authorities in the Arab Republic of Egypt, announced that the Rafah border gate will be opened as of next Monday, October 20. This will allow Palestinian citizens residing in the Arab Republic of Egypt and wishing to return to the Gaza Strip to travel in accordance with the established coordination mechanism.”

The embassy added that logistical details regarding assembly points and departure times will be communicated directly to those affected.

The statement continued, “The Embassy stated that it will communicate with citizens and inform them about meeting times and places in order to prepare for movement towards the Rafah border gate.”

The Rafah border crossing is the only exit point from Gaza not directly controlled by Israel, making it a critical humanitarian and logistical lifeline for those living in the besieged area. It has been periodically closed due to political and security conditions due to ongoing conflict.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that two coffins containing the bodies of the deceased hostages were delivered by Hamas to the Red Cross and are currently being transferred to Israeli personnel in Gaza.

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