Egypt, Israel in talks to reopen Rafah cossing

Egypt is in talks with Israel to reopen the Rafah border crossing with Gaza as part of a new effort that could allow more aid to flow into the enclave and create movement toward a broader deal to halt the fighting there, Arab peace negotiators say, Report informs via The Wall Street Journal.

Egyptian officials were in Israel earlier this week to negotiate terms for the reopening of the crossing, which was heavily relied upon for aid delivery and distribution but has been shut since May, when Israel launched a large-scale military operation in the Gaza border town of Rafah.

This checkpoint plays an important role in delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and could pave the way for a temporary cessation of hostilities. The checkpoint may be opened in early December. Egyptian officials have already held negotiations with Israel, and Hamas representatives will arrive in Cairo today.

The plan provides for a temporary 60-day ceasefire in Gaza.

Israel will maintain a military presence in the enclave, while control of the Palestinian side of the crossing will transfer from Hamas to the Palestinian Authority. Up to 200 humanitarian aid trucks will be able to pass through the Rafah crossing daily.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the country will continue military operations in Gaza until Hamas is completely destroyed.