The Cogat, the Israeli military entity responsible for civil affairs in the occupied Palestinian territories, announced that it is carrying out a «pilot phase» of «initial preparations» at the Rafah crossing, which connects Gaza to Egypt, and confirmed that it is not open for the movement of Palestinians. In a message to EFE, Cogat indicates that this phase is being conducted in collaboration with the European Union Border Assistance Mission, Egypt, and stakeholders. The Israeli entity claims that access was granted on Sunday for a limited number of residents, although it clarifies that the passage of individuals is not permitted. Cogat emphasises that the effective movement of residents in both directions will begin once these preparations are completed, which has not yet happened. When asked about the possibility of Palestinians being able to enter or exit through Rafah this Sunday, Cogat did not provide a response.
The reopening of the Rafah crossing is still in a «pilot» phase of preparations, says Israel.
