On Sunday, Palestinians in Gaza watched with hope and anticipation as workers laid the foundation for the reopening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, a vital link between the country and the world. Israel says the crossing is to resume operations on Monday as a truce with Hamas continues, UNN reports, citing AP.
"The opening of the crossing is a good step, but they have placed restrictions on the number of people allowed to cross, and that is a problem," said Ghalia Abu Mustafa, a woman from Khan Younis.
Israel said the crossing had been opened on a trial basis, and the Israeli military agency that oversees aid to Gaza said residents could begin crossing on Monday. But only a small number of people will be able to cross initially.
"We want a large number of people to leave, for the crossing to be open so that sick people can leave and return," said Suhayla Al-Astal, a woman displaced from the city of Rafah, who said her sick daughter needed help abroad. "We want the crossing to be open permanently."
Israel's statement came a day after Israeli strikes killed at least 30 Palestinians, including several children, according to medics — one of the highest death tolls since the truce began on October 10. Israel accused Hamas of new truce violations.