Ongoing Developments in Israel, Gaza, and the Wider Middle East Rafah Crossing Preparations Underway, But Aid Passage Remains Separate Is...
Ongoing Developments in Israel, Gaza, and the Wider Middle East
Rafah Crossing Preparations Underway, But Aid Passage Remains Separate
Israel has announced that preparations are in progress to open the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt. However, the opening will be specifically for the movement of people. Humanitarian aid will continue to be delivered through alternative entry points. The exact date for the opening of the Rafah crossing is yet to be announced, pending the completion of logistical arrangements between Israel and Egypt.
COGAT, the Israeli Defense Ministry agency responsible for overseeing civilian affairs in the Palestinian territories, issued a statement clarifying the intended function of the reopened crossing. The statement emphasized that the Rafah crossing would be exclusively for the movement of individuals. It explicitly stated that humanitarian aid would not be permitted through this particular gateway.
The statement from COGAT further reinforced that the passage of aid through Rafah was never part of any agreements. It reassured that aid is still entering the Gaza Strip through other established crossings.
Historically, the Rafah crossing has served as a crucial international entry point into Gaza. When operational, international aid typically arrived from Egypt and was transported by trucks to the Kerem Shalom crossing, situated between Israel and southern Gaza. At Kerem Shalom, Israeli authorities conducted inspections before the aid was then collected by aid organizations and transported into Gaza.
The Rafah crossing briefly reopened during a short-lived truce in January 2025. However, its function was limited to allowing individuals wishing to leave Gaza to pass through. Israeli forces took control of the compound on the Gaza side of the crossing in May 2024.
Identification of Hostage Remains Returned by Hamas
The Israeli military has confirmed the identification of the remains of two hostages, Inbar Hayman and Sergeant Major Mohammad al-Atrash, which were returned by Hamas. The identification process was carried out by the National Institute of Forensic Medicine. Following the completion of the process, representatives informed the families of Inbar Hayman and Sergeant Major Mohammad al-Atrash that their bodies had been repatriated for burial.
Inbar Hayman, a 27-year-old graffiti artist from Haifa, known under the pseudonym "Pink," was killed at the Nova music festival on October 7. Her remains were subsequently taken to Gaza. Mohammad al-Atrash, a 39-year-old Bedouin soldier, was killed in combat on the same day, and his body was also taken into the Palestinian territory.
Israel Urges Germany to Reconsider Arms Export Restrictions
Israel has formally requested that Germany lift its partial freeze on arms exports and also reconsider its travel warning for certain areas within the country. The request comes in the wake of the recent ceasefire in Gaza.
Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel, speaking in Berlin, stated that with the cessation of hostilities, Israel expects Germany to remove both restrictions. She expressed confidence in Germany's potential role in post-conflict diplomacy, emphasizing that the Israeli government views Berlin as a reliable and trustworthy partner. She added that German participation in a potential peacekeeping force would be welcomed.
Addressing historical sensitivities, Haskel affirmed that Israel "trusts" Germany, recalling the outpouring of public solidarity following the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz had previously ordered a temporary halt to weapons deliveries that could potentially be used in Gaza on August 8. This decision was based on concerns about what he described as increasingly aggressive Israeli military actions. Prior to this, Berlin had escalated its criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government but had refrained from imposing sanctions.
Following the agreement between Israel and Hamas on initial steps towards a peace process, Merz stated that the export restrictions would be reviewed. However, he stressed that any changes would be coordinated with his coalition partners first.
Within Merz's conservative bloc, leaders have advocated for a swift lifting of the restrictions. However, the center-left Social Democrats, who are junior partners in the coalition, have not yet adopted a formal position on the matter.
Israel's Warning to Hamas Regarding Ceasefire Compliance
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has issued a stern warning, stating that Israel will resume fighting if Hamas fails to adhere to the terms of the US-backed ceasefire agreement.
Hamas handed over the remains of two more deceased hostages, but stated that it was unable to recover further bodies from Gaza without specialized equipment.
Since the beginning of the week, Hamas has released 20 surviving hostages in exchange for the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners by Israel.
Prior to Wednesday, Hamas had returned the remains of seven of the 28 known deceased hostages. Additionally, one body was returned, which Israel later determined was not a former hostage.
The Defense Minister's office released a statement saying, "If Hamas refuses to comply with the agreement, Israel, in coordination with the United States, will resume fighting and act to achieve a total defeat of Hamas."
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