Israel Relents on Aid Reduction and Prepares to Reopen Rafah Crossing
After a dispute over the return of hostages' bodies threatened to derail a fragile ceasefire deal with Hamas, Israel is set to reopen the Rafah border crossing and will not slash humanitarian aid entering Gaza as previously threatened, according to Israel's public broadcaster, Kan, and other media outlets.
Ceasefire Challenges
The ceasefire test first began when Israel stated that the humanitarian assistance flow into Gaza would be cut by half, accusing Hamas of breaching the agreement reached last week by delaying the return of hostages' bodies. However, Hamas returned more Israeli bodies overnight, paving the way for the reopening of the Rafah crossing and the resumption of aid flow.
Despite these positive developments, the distribution of supplies faces significant challenges due to the destruction caused by Israeli forces. Reports indicate that key roads are virtually impassable, hindering the delivery of much-needed supplies.
Aid Trucks Roll into Gaza
Reports from the Middle East Eye confirmed that aid trucks rolled into Gaza on Wednesday. Additionally, Israeli security officials said preparations were underway to open the Rafah crossing to Gazan citizens, signaling an easing of tensions.
600 aid trucks are set to be delivered, according to Kan. However, there were contrasting reports, with the Palestinian Authority stating that it is prepared to operate the Rafah crossing and the Egyptian Red Crescent reporting that 153 aid trucks crossed the Rafah border into Gaza.
International Reactions
The international community has been closely monitoring the situation. The European Union spokesperson announced that it's ready to deploy the EU Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) Rafah at the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza, once the conditions on the ground improve. The United Nations humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, has also called for immediate 'unhindered access' for aid deliveries, urging Israel to open more crossings into Gaza.
The Hostage Dispute
The dispute over the return of hostages' bodies has been a major sticking point in the ceasefire deal. The Times of Israel and other outlets reported that the Israeli cabinet is set to approve a hostage-ceasefire deal after Israel and Hamas sign on in Egypt. US President Donald Trump stated that the Gaza hostages should be released on Monday or Tuesday, adding pressure to the delicate situation.
Current Status
Despite the ceasefire agreement, tension remains high in Gaza. The UNICEF reported that 90% of homes in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, leaving most of the population homeless. As the ceasefire holds, the future governance of Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas remain unresolved issues that will need to be addressed in the coming days.