Egypt says Trump's Gaza plan requires Rafah crossing reopening in both directions

CAIRO – 6 December 2025: Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stressed on Saturday that the US President Donald Trump peace plan for Gaza stipulates reopening the Rafah crossing in both directions, not using it one-way or as a channel to push Palestinians off their land.

Speaking at a Doha Forum panel on global responsibility and pathways to peace in Gaza, Abdelatty said stabilising a ceasefire remains the top priority as a necessary step toward moving to the second phase of the plan.

He said that phase requires unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, early recovery measures and reconstruction efforts to ease suffering and restore hope in the enclave.

 

Abdelatty said implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2803 is central, noting the role of an international stabilisation force as a peacekeeping mission.

He added that the force, together with a Palestinian technocratic committee and a global board of peace, would form temporary arrangements paving the way for the Palestinian Authority to resume full responsibilities, with geographic continuity between the West Bank and Gaza.

Rafah Crossing Blockage

On humanitarian access, he emphasized that the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza continues to operate from the Egyptian side, blaming Israel for the blockage from the Palestinian side.

He emphasized that Israel, which keeps the crossing closed, controls five other crossings into Gaza and bears responsibility for opening those routes.

The foreign minister also warned of worsening conditions in the West Bank amid rising settler violence and continued land seizures, calling for urgent international action to halt violations and prevent further escalation.

 

Israeli asserted last week that the Rafah crossing will open in one direction within few days to allow Palestinians in need of medical care to leave the enclave through Egypt.

Cairo denied coordinating with Israel on the reopening of the crossing in one direction, warning of Tel Aviv’s longstanding scheme to expel Gazans from the territory toward Egypt.

Egypt and seven other countries jointly expressed their deep concerns regarding the Israeli statements on the crossing, underscoring their full rejection of any attempts to expel the Palestinian people from their land.

In a joint statement on Friday, Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar urged full adherence to Trump’s plan, including its provisions on keeping the crossing open in both directions.

They also called for ensuring the freedom of movement for the population and creating the right conditions for them to stay on their land and participate in building their homeland, within a comprehensive vision aimed at restoring stability and improving their humanitarian conditions.