Rafah Crossing to re-open Friday, terrorists among those to leave

The border crossing is being opened earlier than expected due to the release of hostages on Thursday, which was not originally in the agreement.

 Egyptian security forces stand guard at the Rafah border crossing in the southern Gaza Strip August 30, 2008. Egypt opened its border crossing with the Gaza Strip on Saturday, allowing hundreds of people to leave the Hamas-controlled territory, Palestinian officials said. (photo credit: REUTERS/MOHAMMED SALEM)
Egyptian security forces stand guard at the Rafah border crossing in the southern Gaza Strip August 30, 2008. Egypt opened its border crossing with the Gaza Strip on Saturday, allowing hundreds of people to leave the Hamas-controlled territory, Palestinian officials said.
(photo credit: REUTERS/MOHAMMED SALEM)

The Rafah border crossing situated in the southern Gaza Strip is set to be opened on Friday for the exit of 50 wounded Palestinians who have received security clearance from the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency).

The crossing will be operated by European inspectors of the European Union Border Assistance Mission to Rafah (EU BAM) and Gazans unaffiliated with Hamas.

Along with EU BAM, the crossing will be overseen by Gazan Palestinians who are unaffiliated with Hamas. These Palestinians are believed to be connected with the Palestinian Authority and have received approval from Israel, Israeli public broadcaster KAN cited Gazan sources as saying.

The initial opening was intended to be on Sunday, day 14 of the hostage-ceasefire deal. However, due to the release of hostages on Thursday, which was not in the original agreement, the opening was rescheduled for Friday.

 Military personnel stand guard on the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, October 31, 2023 (credit: REUTERS/MOHAMED ABD EL GHANY)
Military personnel stand guard on the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, October 31, 2023 (credit: REUTERS/MOHAMED ABD EL GHANY)

Among those who will leave Gaza through the Rafah Crossing for medical treatment abroad are members of Hamas’s military wing, KAN reported. The wounded will also reportedly be permitted to return safely to Gaza upon recovery.