Israel set to open Rafah border after return of hostages’ bodies from Hamas
Israel prepares to reopen the Rafah crossing after the return of Hamas hostages’ bodies (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Humanitarian aid has begun arriving in Gaza, and Hamas has handed over new bodies of hostages, allowing Israel to resume preparations to reopen the Rafah crossing, according to a Reuters report.
After several days of tense negotiations, humanitarian trucks entered the Gaza Strip, and Israel resumed preparations for reopening the Rafah crossing.
This was made possible after Hamas transferred another group of deceased hostages, easing some of the tension that threatened the fragile ceasefire.
Return of the bodies and ceasefire conditions
According to Israeli authorities, over the past day, militants handed over several bodies of Israelis, with two more coffins delivered later. The transfer of bodies is part of an agreement that involves the phased implementation of ceasefire conditions.
Israel has warned that it will keep Rafah closed if the process is delayed and is prepared to respond with force in case the agreements are violated.
Washington’s stance
Amid rising tensions, Donald Trump stated that the US is ready to allow Israel to resume military operations in Gaza if Hamas fails to meet the terms of the agreement. “Israel will return to those streets as soon as I say the word,” the president emphasized, commenting on the possibility of disarming the group.
Humanitarian situation
According to the UN, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues: most residents have lost their homes, and healthcare systems are overwhelmed.
Israel has announced preparations to allow 600 aid trucks to pass through, while an EU mission will monitor operations at the Rafah crossing.
International reaction
Despite partial implementation of the agreements, experts note that the situation remains unstable. The lack of a final solution for governing Gaza and disarming Hamas creates a risk of the ceasefire breaking down and a return to hostilities.
Hamas released all 20 Israeli hostages captured during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, and also handed over four coffins of the deceased, completing an exchange that marked an important step in fulfilling the ceasefire conditions.
Israeli forces will remain in the Gaza Strip until Hamas meets the requirements of the US peace plan and surrenders its weapons, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated.
