Reuters quoted three informed sources as saying that Israel is seeking to restrict the number of Palestinians returning to Gaza from Egypt via the Rafah crossing, to ensure that the number of Palestinians leaving the Strip is greater than those entering it.
The sources, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, confirmed that the method by which Israel intends to impose restrictions on the number of Palestinians who will enter Gaza from Egypt is still unclear, as is the ratio of departures to arrivals that it seeks to achieve.
The sources pointed out that the Israeli occupation army also wants to establish a military checkpoint inside the sector near the border, which would require all Palestinians leaving or returning to pass through it and undergo an Israeli security inspection.
However, sources clarified that the method of dealing with individuals whom the Israeli occupation army will prevent from passing through the checkpoint, especially those coming from Egypt, is not yet clear.
The Israeli prime minister's office did not respond to a request for comment, and the Israeli military referred questions to the government and declined to comment. The US embassy in Israel did not respond to a request for comment on whether the United States supports Israel in limiting the number of Palestinians entering Gaza or establishing a checkpoint for those entering and leaving.
The head of the Gaza administration committee, Ali Shaath, announced on Thursday that the Rafah crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt will open next week.
In May 2024, Israel occupied the Palestinian side of the crossing, as part of a genocidal war that began in Gaza on October 8, 2023, and lasted for two years.
Israel had previously announced an understanding with Egypt to reopen the crossing for those wishing to leave Gaza, but Cairo denied this and stressed the need to open it in both directions, reiterating its rejection of any forced displacement of Palestinians.
