Israeli broadcasting authority cited informed sources stating that "a meaningful dialogue is underway between Egypt and the Palestinian Authority for the latter to assume responsibility for the Rafah crossing." It added that "Egypt aims for this to be the first element of a plan that seeks for the Palestinian Authority to gradually take control of other strategic areas in Gaza post-war, despite Israel's current rejection of the idea." The broadcast report mentioned that "Palestinian Authority official Hussein al-Sheikh recently met with an Egyptian official in Ramallah to discuss the plan, which is strongly supported by Cairo and is likely to receive backing from the United States as well."
The Rafah crossing serves as a primary passage for humanitarian aid into Gaza and a departure point for individuals being medically evacuated from the enclave, where the humanitarian crisis is escalating and the specter of famine looms. Israel has controlled operations at the crossing and has stated that it will not allow Hamas to take any role there in the future. Before Israel's entry into Rafah, Cairo warned Tel Aviv about the operation, asserting that the intense fighting on its borders threatens its national security.
