Military correspondent Doron Kadosh publishes data on the nature of the activity expected at the Rafah Crossing, according to the ceasefire agreement:
As part of the agreement to return the hostages, the Rafah Crossing opened today (Friday) for the first time since the beginning of May.
The full details on the opening of the crossing and the conditions agreed upon between Israel and Hamas:
1. According to an Israeli security source, the crossing is only open for the exit of Gazans – from Gaza out, and without the entry of any party into Gaza.
2. Inside the crossing are: a force from the European Union, Palestinians who are not Hamas members, and Egyptian workers. All of the workers there have been approved by the Shin Bet.
Israel will not officially admit this, but the Palestinians who are not Hamas – at least in part – are identified with Fatah and the Palestinian Authority. Officially, the Palestinian Authority’s involvement is only in stamping the crossing permits.
3. 50 wounded Gazans will be allowed to pass through the crossing every day, plus 3 escorts for each of them. That is: 200 people in total per day. All departures (the wounded and their escorts) are subject to prior assessment by the Shin Bet and approval by Egypt, which accepts the Gazans into its territory.
4. The most difficult clause to digest: As part of the agreement, Israel also allows seriously wounded Hamas terrorists to cross into Egypt. Terrorists who participated in the October 7th massacre in the Gaza Envelope will not be allowed to cross, but those who participated in fighting against the IDF inside the Gaza Strip and were injured during it will be allowed to cross.
5. The mechanism: The intermediaries forward the names to Israel in advance for the purpose of diagnosis and approval. The Shin Bet determines who is authorized to pass and who is not, and also forwards the list for Egyptian approval. After the Egyptians approve, the list is passed on to the workers inside the crossing.
6. In accordance with the agreement, IDF forces withdrew from the Rafah crossing today and it passed to the control of foreign forces. The IDF was redeployed in the surrounding area and in the Philadelphi axis area (meaning IDF forces still remain near the area).
7. The first group of wounded to be transferred to Egypt will probably not arrive until tomorrow. Israel has already confirmed the next list.
A quick calculation shows that between Friday and the 42nd day after the ceasefire will have come into effect – when the first phase of the deal will end – 5,600 people will be able to leave the Gaza Strip through the Rafah Crossing.
Meanwhile, Fatah-affiliated channels criticize Hamas for issuing thousands of exit tickets from Gaza to its members and their families, through the Rafah crossing, as part of the ceasefire agreement. They take care of themselves at the expense of the Gazan population.
