Egypt renovates Rafah crossing, challenges security risks

CAIRO – 27 May 2018: The Egyptian authorities have renewed and reconstructed the Rafah crossing lately, challenging the security risks in North Sinai. The crossing will be inaugurated after the end of reconstruction and development works.

On May 18, President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi ordered to keep the Rafah crossing with Gaza open for the entire month of Ramadan.

Since the Gaza rallies began on March 30, more than 100 Palestinian demonstrators have been martyred by the Israeli army.

Egypt has been exerting constant efforts to support the Palestinians and bring peace to the Gaza strip, where Palestinians are killed by the Israeli forces along the Gaza-Israel fence.


A waiting hall for passengers in the Egyptian side at Rafah border crossing- Egypt Today/Ahmed Gomaa


The Egyptian leader has ordered the relevant authorities to keep the crossing open to ease some of the burdens of the Gaza Strip residents.

Keeping the crossing open will allow the passage of diesel fuel, construction materials, food and medicine.

“I issued directives to take the necessary measures to keep the Rafah Border Crossing open throughout the holy month of Ramadan in a bid to relieve some of the burdens suffered by our brothers in the Gaza strip,” Sisi posted on Facebook and Twitter.

The Palestinian Embassy expressed its gratitude for President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi “for opening the Rafah Border Crossing throughout Ramadan and for his continuous efforts to ease the burdens of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip,” a statement said on May 18.

“This highly appreciated step is considered a good initiative by President Sisi and the Egyptian leadership in the holy month of Ramadan,” the statement added.


A waiting hall for passengers in the Egyptian side at Rafah border crossing- Egypt Today/Ahmed Gomaa


In an interview with Egypt Today, Fatah spokesman Osama al-Qawasmi said Egypt, represented in its political leadership, spared no effort to support the Palestinian case. He added that there is no peace process without Egypt, which he described as the “older sister that always lends a hand to Palestinians.”

The Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip appreciated the Egyptian support of the Palestinian cause and placed a big banner that read "Thank you, Egypt!" at the entrance of Ouda refugee camp in eastern Beit Hanoun town, on the northeast edge of Gaza.

The Palestinians extended their gratitude for the Egyptian president for his decision to open the Rafah Border Crossing throughout the holy month of Ramadan.

Additional reporting by Jehad Sayed