Tel Aviv: Israel has announced the reopening of the Rafah crossing, Gaza’s main gateway, in the next few days, allowing Palestinians who are in need of medical care.
The Times of Israel quoted COGAT, the Israeli military arm that oversees humanitarian matters, saying that Palestinians will be able to leave Gaza via the Rafah Crossing in coordination with Egypt, after Israeli security approval, and under the supervision of a European Union delegation — a mechanism similar to one activated in January.
According to the United Nations, about 16,500 people in Gaza are in need of medical care, though some citizens have been able to leave for medical treatment abroad via Israel.
Before the beginning of the war, the Rafah crossing was the sole direct exit point for most Palestinians in Gaza to reach the outside world and also the key entry point for aid to reach the territory. Since the ceasefire came into effect in October this year, Israel has kept Rafah closed, saying Hamas must return all hostages still in Gaza.
Netanyahu seeks pardon in corruption casesIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked the country's president to grant him a pardon in the long-running corruption trial against him. He submitted a formal request for a pardon to the legal department of the Office of the President, the Prime Minister's Office said. He also released a video statement saying the pardon had divided the country, and claimed it would restore national unity. Netanyahu is the only sitting prime minister in Israeli history standing trial. He has been charged with accepting bribes, fraud, and breach of trust in three separate cases, AP reported. The cases accused him of accepting favours from wealthy political supporters. However, he has not yet been convicted. |
