Jerusalem, October 17: On Monday, Israel denied reports that suggested a ceasefire deal in southern Gaza would enable the opening of the Rafah border crossing for humanitarian aid into the Hamas-controlled territory. The Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement denying the existence of a humanitarian ceasefire or the departure of foreigners from Gaza.
Earlier, it was reported that Israel had reached an agreement brokered by the United States and Egypt to cease hostilities starting at 9 am. However, many members of the Likud party expressed opposition to this proposed temporary ceasefire for aid delivery.
Energy Minister Israel Katz strongly opposed the idea, citing his objection to the lifting of the blockade and the introduction of goods into Gaza on humanitarian grounds. He underlined commitment to the families of those killed and abducted and criticized any aid to Hamas. Culture Minister Mickey Zohar also expressed strong opposition and said that people who commit acts of violence do not deserve mercy.
Amid these developments, Hamas claimed no knowledge of the proposed humanitarian ceasefire at the Rafah border crossing.
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A security alert from the US Embassy in Jerusalem said the Rafah crossing was expected to open at 9 a.m. on Monday, cautioning travelers that the situation at the crossing remains unstable and unpredictable. The Rafah crossing, which serves as the primary supply route to Gaza, has been closed for much of the past week, preventing both Gazans and foreign nationals from crossing. As a result, vital humanitarian supplies have accumulated in large quantities at the Egyptian border.
