Arab and Muslim countries are pushing back against Israel’s proposal to reopen Gaza’s Rafah Crossing for one-way travel only, calling it a threat to Palestinian rights. Foreign ministers from the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, and others issued a joint statement on Friday, demanding the crossing remain open in both directions to uphold freedom of movement. 🛑
What’s the Plan?
Israel announced Wednesday it would reopen Rafah under a 2025 ceasefire deal with Hamas but insisted on one-way exits from Gaza. Egypt, however, denied coordinating with Israel on the move. The crossing has been largely closed since May 2024, when Israeli forces took control of the Palestinian side.
Why It Matters
The ministers stressed that forcibly displacing Palestinians would undermine stability and humanitarian efforts. They urged adherence to a U.S.-backed proposal requiring two-way access to let residents rebuild their communities. “Palestinians must stay on their land,” the statement emphasized. 🌍
Ceasefire & Reconstruction
The group also called for maintaining the fragile ceasefire, expanding aid delivery, and enabling the Palestinian Authority to resume governance in Gaza. With over 1.5 million displaced since 2024, the region’s recovery hinges on open borders and global support. 💔
