Israel to Keep Rafah Crossing Closed Amid Hostage Negotiations

Israel has announced that the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will remain closed “until further notice.” This decision follows a conflicting statement from the Palestinian embassy in Egypt, which indicated that the crossing would reopen on Monday for individuals returning to Gaza. The closure is linked to ongoing negotiations regarding the remains of 28 hostages, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s office emphasizing that the reopening hinges on how Hamas fulfills its responsibilities under the ceasefire agreement.

The situation is evolving rapidly, as Hamas has already returned the remains of 10 hostages and claimed it would deliver the remains of two more on Saturday night. The transfer of remains, alongside the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, is a pivotal aspect of the ceasefire discussions that aim to conclude two years of conflict. The Rafah crossing, the only border point not controlled by Israel before the war, has been closed since May 2024, following Israel’s assumption of control over the Gaza side.

A fully operational Rafah crossing would significantly ease access for Gazans seeking medical treatment or attempting to reunite with family members in Egypt, where tens of thousands of Palestinians reside. The emotional toll on families remains palpable, as many await news of missing relatives. “Just like they took their captives, we want our captives. Bring me my son, bring all our kids back,” said Iman Sakani, whose son disappeared during the conflict. Her words echo the sentiments of countless families gathered at Nasser Hospital, hoping for the return of their loved ones.

In a related development, Israel has returned 15 bodies of Palestinians to Gaza, raising the total number returned to 135 since the ceasefire began. Meanwhile, the ongoing recovery efforts in Gaza have brought the Palestinian death toll to over 68,000, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Thousands of individuals remain unaccounted for, with the Red Cross indicating significant numbers of missing persons.

The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, with Hamas urging mediators to enhance the flow of aid into Gaza, which is home to approximately 2 million people. The U.N. humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, described vast parts of the city as “a wasteland,” highlighting the urgent need for increased humanitarian support. Data from the U.N. on Friday revealed that only 339 aid trucks have been distributed since the ceasefire commenced, far short of the estimated requirement of 600 trucks per day.

Despite the ceasefire, hostilities persist. Hamas accused Israel of violating the ceasefire, claiming that 38 Palestinians have been killed since its initiation. On Friday, Gaza’s Civil Defense reported that nine individuals, including women and children, were killed when their vehicle was struck by Israeli fire in Gaza City. Israel’s military stated that the vehicle posed an imminent threat, justifying their actions.

As negotiations continue, U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that he would support a resumption of military action by Israel if Hamas fails to return the remains of all deceased hostages. The hostage families’ forum remains active, advocating for the return of all individuals abducted during the conflict. “We will bring back all the deceased hostages!” declared Einav Zangauker, mother of Matan Zangauker, one of the hostages released last week, during a rally in Tel Aviv.

The situation remains fluid, with humanitarian needs escalating and the complexities of the ceasefire negotiations adding layers of tension. As families in Gaza and Israel grapple with loss and uncertainty, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that brings peace and healing to the region.