Rafah crossing open, Israel obstructing entry of aid to Gaza, says Egypt

By Ibrahim Al-Khazen

CAIRO (AA) - Egypt said Friday that the Rafah border crossing with Gaza was open on its side, accusing Israel of "refusing" the entry of aid into the besieged enclave.

Egypt is clearly being targeted in Western media, which is promoting a "displacement scenario" for Palestinians and holding Cairo responsible for the crossing's closure despite Israel's "targeted attacks and refusal of aid entry," Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid said on X.

It has also recently been insinuating that Egypt is responsible for "obstructing third-country nationals" from exiting Gaza, he said.

The spokesman stressed that the Rafah crossing "is open and Egypt is not responsible for obstructing third-country nationals' exit."

Hundreds of US nationals stranded in Gaza are awaiting Rafah's opening to evacuate, with The New York Times estimating their number to be at 500-600.

The Rafah crossing is the only terminal between the Gaza Strip and Egypt.

The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Gaza is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis, with no electricity, while water, food, fuel, and medical supplies are running out.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an "immediate humanitarian cease-fire” to ease the “epic human suffering."

At least 4,137 Palestinians, including 1,524 children and 1,000 women have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while the figure stands at more than 1,400 people in Israel.

*Writing by Ikram Kouachi