US says 'intensely focused' on opening of Rafah border crossing

By Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US on Tuesday said it is "intensely focused" on opening the Rafah border crossing for the "safe exit" of American citizens, and other foreign nationals.

Speaking on the recent reports about the possibility of Rafah gate opening on Wednesday, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said: "We have been intensely focused on this."

Miller said he would not make any announcement, but added: "We would welcome any agreement that would permit the safe exit of American citizens, families, other foreign nationals."

"It's our understanding that should we get there it's not a process that would incur instantly, people would move out over several days," he said, urging all American citizens in Gaza to register with the State Department and look out for any announcements.

Egyptian media outlets reported, citing Egyptian sources, that the Rafah border crossing will be opened on Wednesday for a number of injured Palestinians.