Foreign ministers from eight Arab and Muslim countries on Friday voiced concern over Israeli remarks suggesting the Rafah Crossing be opened only one way, allowing Gaza residents to enter Egypt but not return.
In a joint statement, ministers from the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Qatar rejected any attempt to forcibly displace Palestinians. They urged adherence to a plan they said requires the crossing to remain open in both directions to ensure freedom of movement.
The ministers said the proposal aims to allow Palestinians to remain on their land, rebuild their homeland and improve humanitarian conditions. They also called for maintaining the ceasefire, easing civilian suffering, ensuring unrestricted aid access and launching recovery efforts.
Israel said Wednesday it would reopen Rafah under the October ceasefire deal with Hamas but only for departures. Egypt denied coordinating with Israel on the move.
The crossing has been largely closed since May 2024, when Israeli forces took control of the Palestinian side. Before that, it served as Gaza’s main exit and a key entry point for humanitarian aid.