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The latest Israeli statement on the Rafah crossing (see our 5.02pm post) has once more created confusion when the border between Egypt and Gaza will reopen.
Here is a brief timeline on the information that we received on the matter since the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement took effect on Friday, 10 October.
- Before 10 October: The crossing has been mostly closed since Israel launched an assault on the city of Rafah in Gaza, taking control of the Palestinian side;
- 12 October, Sunday: preparations to let in more aid via Rafah are under way after the ceasefire agreement went into effect. Egypt says it’s sending 400 trucks today, with many pictured earlier near the Rafah crossing;
- Later that day, pictures appear toshow trucks carrying aid cross the border near Rafah;
- 13 October, Monday: the EU says it will resume its civilian monitoring mission at the Rafah crossing;
- 14 October, Tuesday: Israeli officials say Rafah crossing will remain closed on Wednesday over Hamas’s failure to return bodies;
- 15 October, Wednesday: an Israeli official confirms that the Rafah crossing will not open on Wednesday, but sources tell Reuters that it could reopen on Thursday for people;
- 16 October, Thursday: The Israeli military has said the Rafah crossing will not open on Thursday, with preparations ongoing to open it soon, though aid will not go through;
- Later that day, Israel’s foreign minister says the border crossing could reopen on Sunday;
- Today, 18 October: The Palestinian embassy in Egypt says the crossing will open for people returning to Gaza on Monday – followed by Israel’s counter that it will remain closed until further notice.