Egypt, ‘Israel’ at adds over number of people allowed through Rafah crossing

GAZA, Jan. 29 (YPA) – “Israel” and Egypt are reportedly at odds over the number of people allowed to enter and exit Gaza through the Rafah border crossing, expected to reopen on Sunday, according to Israeli state media on Thursday.

The crossing is set to facilitate the entry of aid and the evacuation of the injured from the Gaza Strip.

According to Israeli media, “Israel” wants more people to leave Gaza than enter, while Egyptian authorities are reportedly insisting on equal numbers in and out, expressing concern that an imbalance could encourage migration from the territory.

In the same context, North Sinai Governor Major General Khaled Maghawir said on Wednesday that the governorate, which manages the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing, is fully prepared for its reopening.

He added that the crisis management room has contingency plans in place, including the delivery of humanitarian aid and the evacuation of the injured, as conditions allow.

“There is strong momentum, and preparations are progressing as planned,” Maghawir said, noting that North Sinai has been ready well in advance and is coordinating with Cairo’s crisis management room, which involves all relevant government agencies.

He concluded: “We are 100% ready to facilitate aid and receive injured civilians from Gaza.”

@E.Y.M