Israel, Egypt, and UN team up to oversee Rafah crossing operations

Details of a confidential meeting in Egypt have surfaced, revealing a significant agreement between Israel and Egypt concerning the management of the Rafah crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip.

According to report by Asharq Al-Awsat, the head of Israel's Shabak, Ronen Bar, and Mossad director David Barnea reached an agreement with Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Mahmoud Rashad, per Caliber.Az.

The agreement assigns control of the Rafah crossing to the Palestinian Authority, under the oversight of the UN and the international community. To facilitate this arrangement, an operations centre has been established in Cairo. This centre will coordinate activities at the Rafah crossing, including the transfer of humanitarian aid, and ensure compliance with security measures.

Additionally, the Cairo operations centre will safeguard the ceasefire agreement and prevent violations. It includes representatives from Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Qatar, and the US.

On January 21, IDF Arabic-language spokesperson Avichai Adraee addressed Gaza Strip residents to clarify the agreement’s security details.

"I would like to reiterate and clarify a number of issues to avoid friction and misunderstandings," Adraee stated, as reported by Channel 13. He emphasized Israel's commitment to ensuring adherence to the terms of the agreement while IDF forces remain stationed in parts of Gaza.

Adraee warned residents against approaching IDF forces, moving between Gaza's southern and northern regions, or nearing the Netzarim corridor. “Approaching the forces puts you at risk,” he said, noting that safe travel routes would be announced once conditions permit.

The spokesperson also cautioned against entering sensitive areas like the Rafah crossing, the Philadelphi Corridor, and locations near concentrated IDF forces. Fishermen, swimmers, and divers were advised to stay away from the sea due to heightened risks

Adraee concluded by highlighting potential improvements contingent on Hamas’ compliance with the agreement. “If Hamas adheres to all the details of the agreement, residents will be able to return to the northern Gaza Strip from next week,” he said, assuring that specific travel instructions would follow.

By Tamilla Hasanova