Egypt prepares to open Rafah border crossing for release of Israeli hostages

Egypt is preparing to open the Rafah border crossing to facilitate the transfer of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, contingent upon a ceasefire agreement.

The plan is to begin humanitarian aid deliveries and fuel supplies into Gaza from the first day of the ceasefire, along with mobile homes, tents, and land-clearing machinery, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Reports also indicate that the release of sick and wounded hostages is expected to commence one week after the ceasefire begins. Anonymous sources revealed that discussions have focused on coordinating border protection efforts following the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Salah al-Din axis and the Rafah crossing area.

The talks included detailed plans for the phased withdrawal of Israeli troops and the steps Egypt must take to ensure border security during the transition. The operational framework for securing the Rafah land crossing was also a key part of the discussions among the three parties. 

An official from the Egyptian Red Crescent confirmed that humanitarian aid, which has been stockpiled near the Rafah crossing, is ready to be sent to Gaza immediately once the crossing is reopened. He mentioned that 40 to 50 aid trucks, including fuel, are currently being transported daily to the Kerem Shalom crossing on the Israeli side with the assistance of UN agencies. 

The official revealed that 500 trucks of aid are waiting for entry into Gaza at the Rafah logistics area, with 2,000 truckloads stored in warehouses in Arish. The Rafah crossing has been closed to aid deliveries since May 2024, when the Israeli military took control of the Palestinian side, halting Egyptian aid shipments to Gaza through this route.

By Naila Huseynova