Rafah crossing remains open to receive wounded Palestinians, allow humanitarian relief

CAIRO – 28 June 2021: Egyptian authorities kept the Rafah border crossing “exceptionally” open Monday to receive wounded and stranded Palestinians and allow humanitarian relief assistance into the Gaza Strip.

The border also allows bringing aid, equipment and reconstruction materials into the strip, based on the directives of the Egyptian political leadership.

According to official sources, Rafah, the only crossing point between Egypt and Palestine's Gaza Strip, will remain open on both sides to allow entry of relief materials into the Gaza Strip for the reconstruction of the impoverished Palestinian enclave after the widespread destruction it witnessed due to last month’s Israeli onslaught.

A number of ambulances were on hand at the crossing to receive injured Palestinians and those in critical condition and move them to Egyptian hospitals for treatment.

The crossing has been open on an exceptional basis since May 16 following directives of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.

On May 7, clashes began between Israeli forces in the West Bank and Jerusalem and civilians as the latter were protesting forced displacement, particularly from Sheikh Jarrah in Eastern Jerusalem, and assaults on worshippers in Al Aqsa Mosque. And, on May 10-20, Israel shelled and carried out airstrikes against Gaza Strip.