The occupation links the opening of the Rafah crossing to the handover of the bodies of the detainees.. and fears of a crisis with Trump due to the annexation

The Hebrew radio reported on Thursday morning that the occupying government decided not to open the Rafah crossing indefinitely, conditioning Hamas to intensify its efforts to return the bodies of the detained occupying soldiers. This comes at a time when the political scene within the occupying entity is witnessing escalating tensions between government components and the far-right, alongside internal discussions about a bill to annex the West Bank, which could open a political crisis with U.S. President Donald Trump.

The radio mentioned that the occupying government's decision came after intense pressure from right-wing parties that demanded the government take a stricter stance towards Hamas, linking any humanitarian step to tangible concessions. It clarified that the occupying government conditioned Hamas to "intensify the process of returning the kidnapped soldiers' bodies" before allowing the reopening of the crossing.

The Rafah crossing is considered one of the vital humanitarian arteries for the residents of the Gaza Strip, who rely on it for movement, medical treatment, and the supply of essential materials. However, the occupying government uses it as a political and security pressure tool usually linked to prisoner issues and ceasefires.