Israel is planning to restrict the number of Palestinians entering Gaza through the border crossing with Egypt, aiming to ensure more people leave the territory than enter, according to three sources briefed on the matter. This move is part of Israel's efforts to maintain security control over the territory. The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Israel wants to establish a military checkpoint inside Gaza near the border to screen Palestinians moving in and out. The plan has sparked concerns among Palestinians, who fear it could lead to forced displacement. The Rafah Border Crossing is expected to open next week, staffed by Palestinians affiliated with the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority and monitored by EU personnel. The crossing has been under Israeli military control since 2024. The Israeli government has not commented on the plan, while the US Embassy in Israel has not responded to requests for comment on whether Washington supports Israel's move.
Israel is planning to restrict the number of Palestinians entering Gaza through the border crossing with Egypt, aiming to ensure more people leave the territory than enter, according to three sources briefed on the matter. This move is part of Israel's efforts to maintain security control over the territory.
The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Israel wants to establish a military checkpoint inside Gaza near the border to screen Palestinians moving in and out. The plan has sparked concerns among Palestinians, who fear it could lead to forced displacement.
The Rafah Border Crossing is expected to open next week, staffed by Palestinians affiliated with the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority and monitored by EU personnel. The crossing has been under Israeli military control since 2024.
The Israeli government has not commented on the plan, while the US Embassy in Israel has not responded to requests for comment on whether Washington supports Israel's move.
