US Envoys Call for Reopening Rafah Crossing Amid Ongoing Talks in Jerusalem
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: During recent discussions in Jerusalem, US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner encouraged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reopen the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt. This information was reported by Israeli media on Sunday.
The call for reopening Rafah follows announcements from a newly appointed Gaza administrator that the crossing would become operational in both directions next week.
According to sources from the Israeli news site Ynet, while the meeting with Netanyahu was deemed “positive,” Witkoff emphasized the importance of reopening the crossing even before Hamas returns the remains of the last Israeli hostage believed to be held in Gaza.
An unnamed Israeli official indicated that Witkoff suggested Turkiye could play a future role in Gaza’s affairs. “Witkoff is pushing to involve our biggest rival, Turkiye, at our border,” the official was quoted as saying. They also expressed concerns about potential conflicts with Turkiye, describing it as a possible threat to security.
Moreover, the official criticized Witkoff, claiming he is acting as a representative of Qatari interests.
When approached for comment regarding these reports, Shosh Bedrosian, a spokesperson for Netanyahu, stated that she would investigate the situation further.
Netanyahu has previously rejected any involvement from Turkiye in Gaza’s post-war recovery, despite US President Donald Trump inviting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to participate in his peace initiative.
Israel-Turkiye relations have strained since the onset of the conflict in Gaza back in October 2023.
The reopening of Rafah is part of the truce framework announced by Trump, yet the crossing has remained closed as Israeli forces took control during the conflict. However, Ali Shaath, who leads a 15-member committee overseeing Gaza’s daily administration, mentioned at the World Economic Forum that the crossing is set to reopen next week. This crossing serves as a vital entry point for humanitarian aid to Gaza’s 2.2 million inhabitants.
“For Palestinians in Gaza, Rafah is much more than just a gate—it represents hope and opportunity,” Shaath emphasized.
Israeli officials face pressure from the family of the last hostage, urging Netanyahu to prioritize bringing Rani home. The family released a statement asking that anyone looking to assist in Gaza’s recovery and Middle Eastern peace should first work to reunite families.
Currently, a fragile ceasefire has been active in Gaza since October 10, entering its second phase this month, although both Israel and Hamas have accused one another of breaking it.
