Rafah Border Crossing to Reopen, Hosting Prisoner Exchange and Aid Efforts
PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES: Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt is to reopen tomorrow following a fourth exchange of hostages and prisoners under a truce agreement, a Hamas official and a source with knowledge of discussions told AFP.
### Background on the Rafah Crossing
The Rafah crossing was a vital entry point for humanitarian aid to enter into Gaza before the Israeli military seized the Palestinian side of it in May. Since then, the gateway has been closed, drawing repeated condemnation from Egypt and other countries as well as from aid organizations.
### Truce Agreement and Prisoner Exchange
“The mediators informed Hamas of Israel’s approval to open Rafah crossing tomorrow, Saturday, after the completion of the fourth batch of prisoner exchange,” the Hamas official said, with the source explaining evacuations of the injured would take place at the crossing “as per the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement.” The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said in a statement that the first group of sick people will leave the territory for treatment in Egypt tomorrow.
### European Union Monitoring Mission
Last Monday, the European Union agreed to restart its monitoring mission at the Rafah crossing, with 18 EU and local personnel, including a police security detachment from Italy, Spain, and France. The mission was launched at the request of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, with the full support of Egypt. The primary objective is to coordinate and facilitate the daily transit of up to 300 wounded and sick.
### Hostage-Prisoner Swap
Israel and Hamas are to carry out their latest hostage-prisoner swap tomorrow as part of the truce agreement, which came into effect on January 19 between Israel and Hamas. Insurgents in Gaza began releasing hostages since the ceasefire came into effect. So far, 15 hostages have been handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
### Upcoming Prisoner Release
The hostages to be freed tomorrow are Yarden Bibas, Keith Seigel, who also has US citizenship, and Ofer Kalderon, who also holds French nationality, according to an Israeli campaign group. In exchange, Israel will free 90 prisoners, nine of whom are serving life sentences, the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club advocacy group said.
### Conclusion
The reopening of the Rafah border crossing is a crucial step in providing humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza and facilitating the exchange of prisoners. The European Union’s monitoring mission will play a vital role in ensuring the safe and smooth passage of aid and individuals across the border. As the region continues to navigate the complexities of conflict and diplomacy, the reopening of the Rafah crossing is a positive development that may bring hope to those affected by the ongoing crisis.
### FAQs
* What is the purpose of the European Union’s monitoring mission at the Rafah border crossing?
The primary objective is to coordinate and facilitate the daily transit of up to 300 wounded and sick.
* How many hostages have been released since the ceasefire came into effect?
Fifteen hostages have been handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
* Who will be released as part of the upcoming prisoner swap?
The hostages to be freed are Yarden Bibas, Keith Seigel, and Ofer Kalderon, and 90 prisoners will be released, including nine serving life sentences.