Israel Reopens Rafah Crossing as Islamic Nations Condemn Gaza Deaths
Israel reopened the Rafah border crossing with Egypt on Monday for limited traffic, according to Egyptian and Israeli officials, marking a significant step in the US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The move came as a group of eight Islamic countries condemned Israel for "repeated violations" of the Gaza ceasefire, following a weekend of Israeli airstrikes that reportedly killed at least 30 people in Gaza, according to Sky News.
An Egyptian official, speaking to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, stated that up to 50 Palestinians would be allowed to cross in each direction daily, in addition to 50 patients seeking medical attention, Euronews reported. The border had been closed for nearly two years. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel would [further details of PM's statement missing from sources].
The reopening of the Rafah crossing followed accusations of ceasefire violations after Israeli airstrikes hit Khan Younis in Gaza on Saturday, according to Sky News. In addition to the condemnation from Islamic countries, Israel faced further criticism when the country's Diaspora Ministry announced it would ban medical aid charity Doctors Without Borders, also known as Médecins Sans Frontières, Sky News reported.
The tensions in the region coincided with the upcoming MilanoCortina 2026 Winter Olympics, prompting reflection on the importance of the Olympic Truce. George Papandreou, former Prime Minister of Greece and President of the International Olympic Truce Centre, wrote in an opinion article for Euronews, "As the world gathers in the Italian Alps for sports greatest winter celebration, we are once again challenged - not only to respect the Olympic Truce - but what kind of civilisation we choose to uphold."
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