Ahead of its opening on Sunday.. "Egyptian-Israeli" dispute over the number of travelers through the Rafah crossing

Sources reported a divergence in positions between the occupation and Egypt regarding the mechanism for operating the Rafah land crossing, particularly concerning the number of travelers expected to cross daily when it reopens to individuals starting next Sunday.

Sources stated that the Egyptian side adheres to the principle of balance between the number of arrivals and departures through the crossing, while the occupation seeks to allow a larger number of people to exit than enter, suggesting the crossing of about 150 departures versus 50 arrivals daily.

The Rafah crossing is a vital artery for the movement of individuals, in addition to being a pivotal point for the entry of humanitarian aid, including food, medicine, and fuel, into the besieged Gaza Strip.

For years, the crossing was the main outlet for Gaza residents wishing to travel, given the siege imposed since 2007, before Israeli forces took control of its Palestinian side during the war.

The crossing was briefly reopened during a temporary truce that began on January 19, 2025, allowing some authorized individuals to leave, and then later permitting the passage of aid trucks.

After the war ended, the crossing became a key point for introducing humanitarian relief into the devastated Strip, amidst repeated demands from the United Nations and international organizations for its permanent reopening.

Israel had announced its intention to open the crossing for pedestrian traffic only, subject to strict Israeli inspection procedures.