The Israeli human rights organization, Gisha-Maslak, said today, Monday, that the closure of the Rafah crossing and the Salah al-Din Gate by Egypt intensifies the closure originally imposed by Israel on Gaza and leaves thousands of residents stranded. Inside and outside the sector.
In a statement, the association indicated that Egypt announced the closure of the Rafah crossing until further notice, in addition to closing the Salah El-Din Gate for the entry of goods.
It indicated that the closure of the Rafah crossing, which is in addition to the movement restrictions imposed by Israel on those seeking to enter and exit Gaza through it, leaves Palestinians in Gaza with limited options for movement for health, education, family relations, and access to professional opportunities.
She pointed out that the sudden announcement of the closure of the crossing left dozens of Gazans outside it with no opportunity or prospect to return to their homes and families in the Gaza Strip.
In February 2021, the Rafah Crossing returned to work routinely after operating to a very limited extent for several months in an attempt to limit the spread of the Corona virus.
“Even when it is open, crossing through Rafah is not a solution for people seeking to get from Gaza to Israel or the West Bank. The waiting period for a permit to pass through Rafah is long, and the journey through the Sinai is often difficult and dangerous... even when the crossing is open,” she said. In full, only those who meet the criteria set by Egypt are allowed to pass through it: patients who have been referred to Egyptian hospitals, or Palestinians who hold citizenship, foreign residency or entry visas to a third country.
"The current situation destroys the plans, aspirations and dreams of thousands of residents of the Gaza Strip and violates their basic rights," she added.
Tania Hari, General Manager of Maslak, called on Israel and Egypt to work towards allowing freedom of movement.
“Israel’s control over the Gaza Strip requires it to guarantee a normal life for the residents of the Strip, especially in light of the closure of the Rafah crossing,” she said.
