Gaza's Rafah crossing to open next week in both directions, transition committee head says

ISTANBUL

The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will reopen next week for two-way travel, the head of Gaza's new transition committee announced on Thursday.

"I am pleased to announce the Rafah crossing will open next week in both directions for Palestinians in Gaza," Ali Shaath said at the signing ceremony of the Board of Peace charter.

Shaath, who officially leads the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, described Rafah as "a lifeline and symbol of opportunity," adding the reopening "signals that Gaza is no longer closed to the future."

The White House announced Friday the members of a new “technocratic” committee that will oversee the transition of power in the Gaza Strip, as part of President Donald Trump's 20-point plan to end Israel's genocidal war on the territory.

Shaath is a former Palestinian deputy minister in the Palestinian Authority.