Hamas official says 'Israel' restrictions hinder Rafah crossing
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- Hamas warns 'Israel' conditions are blocking movement at Rafah and delaying Gaza committee work.
- Rafah crossing resumes limited operations under strict 'Israeli' controls.
Hamas leader Ghazi Hamad confirmed that 'Israeli'-imposed conditions are obstructing the movement of travelers through the Rafah crossing, noting that 'Israel' does not want entry or exit from Gaza to proceed easily.
Read more: Rafah border crossing to open on Sunday, says 'Israel'
Delay in committee work
Hamad also highlighted the lack of clarity over why the independent National Committee for Gaza administration has not yet begun its work, warning that continued 'Israeli' killings could create further obstacles for the committee.
Context of remarks
The statements come amid severe challenges in humanitarian movement and access across crossings, amid rising tensions caused by 'Israel’s' policies toward civilians and Palestinian administrative authorities.
Read more: VIDEO: 'Israel' to partially reopen Gaza's Rafah crossing
Rafah reopens under strict 'Israeli' limits
On Sunday, the Rafah crossing reopened "experimentally" in both directions for the first time since 'Israel’s' occupation of Rafah on May 7, 2024. The crossing had been fully closed to civilians, including humanitarian cases, since that date.
Damage and occupation
Recent images show extensive damage to the crossing following 'Israel’s' advance in May 2024, with partial road paving and newly prepared lanes to facilitate patient movement. 'Israel' continues to control the Palestinian side of the crossing as part of its ongoing campaign in Gaza since October 2023.
Previous closures
The crossing had been temporarily reopened during the January 2025 ceasefire to allow patients and the injured to pass, but it was closed again when military operations resumed in March 2025.
Movement resumes Monday
Starting Monday, movement at Rafah will resume in both directions on a limited scale and under strict restrictions, after the 'Israeli' army completed an inspection lane for incoming travelers into Gaza.
