THE LAGOS STATE WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT OFFICE (LSWMO), YESTERDAY, SEALED OFF SOME BUILDINGS/PROPERTIES ACROSS THE STATE OVER DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTAL INFRACTIONS.(PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE
The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will remain closed until further notice, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday, tying its reopening to Hamas handing over the bodies of deceased hostages. The closure comes amid ongoing disputes over alleged ceasefire violations between Israel and Hamas.
Netanyahu’s announcement followed a statement from the Palestinian embassy in Egypt claiming the crossing would reopen on Monday for entry into Gaza. Both sides have exchanged accusations: the U.S. State Department warned of “credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the people of Gaza,” describing any attack on civilians as a “direct and grave violation” of the truce. Hamas denied the claims, instead accusing Israeli authorities of supporting armed gangs involved in killings, kidnappings, and looting, and said Gaza police were working to hold those gangs accountable.
The closure also affects humanitarian operations. Hamas said blocking Rafah prevents the entry of equipment needed to recover additional hostage bodies from rubble, delaying the handover process. Israel reported receiving two more bodies late Saturday, bringing the total to 12 out of 28 under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire and hostage agreement. The deal included the release of 20 living Israeli hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees. Israel and Hamas continue negotiating over the remaining deceased hostages and the return of Palestinian bodies.
The situation underscores Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, with widespread displacement, famine concerns, and overwhelmed health services. Since the ceasefire, aid deliveries have increased to about 560 metric tons of food per day, though this falls short of the population’s needs. Major challenges remain for implementing U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to end the conflict, including Hamas disarmament, governance in Gaza, formation of an international stabilization force, and steps toward a Palestinian state.
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