Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that the Rafah border crossing will remain closed “until further notice,” conditioning its reopening on Hamas handing over the bodies of deceased hostages.
The statement came shortly after the Palestinian Embassy in Cairo announced plans to reopen the crossing on Monday to allow Palestinians residing in Egypt to return to Gaza.
Meanwhile, tensions continue between the two sides over alleged ceasefire violations. The U.S. State Department said it had received “credible reports” suggesting Hamas was planning an imminent attack on Gaza residents, calling it a “serious breach” of the agreement.
Hamas strongly denied the accusations, accusing Israeli authorities of supporting and organizing “criminal gangs” inside the enclave, and urged the U.S. administration to stop echoing “Israeli occupation propaganda.”
The renewed tensions come as U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to allow Israel to resume military operations in Gaza if Hamas fails to comply with the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
