Mediators Egypt and Qatar, along with six other Muslim-majority nations, say they are deeply concerned about Israel’s plan to open the Rafah crossing one way only, in fact only for Palestinians leaving Gaza.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the UAE warned that Israel’s approach could force Palestinians into Egypt. They stressed that Israel’s announcement raises alarm about possible permanent displacement, an idea supported by some far-right members of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government.
In the meantime, the attention of western governments appears to be focussed elsewhere.
The countries said the proposal to open Rafah in only one direction is unacceptable and dangerous. Former PLO official Hanan Ashrawi also condemned the move as a unilateral and coercive act. She said Israel’s plan violates the ceasefire agreement and serves as a tool for what she called the ethnic cleansing of Gaza. Ashrawi argued that Palestinians must retain the right to return to their own territory. Israel has said the crossing will open soon, but it will not allow Palestinians to re-enter the Strip.