GAZA, (Palestine Foundation Information Center), Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said that Israel’s continued closure of the Rafah crossing under false security pretexts constitutes a serious and blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement.
In remarks on Tuesday, Qassem stated that keeping the crossing closed confirms Israel’s intention to intensify the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip and represents a retreat from commitments previously made to mediators, particularly Egypt.
He noted that the continued closure prevents tens of thousands of wounded people from traveling abroad to receive their basic right to medical treatment. According to Qassem, dozens have already died as a result of being denied access to proper medical care outside Gaza, especially given the destruction of the healthcare system within the enclave.
Qassem stressed that shutting the crossing is a clear violation of international agreements that guarantee freedom of movement and the right of people to enter and leave their homeland.
Earlier last week, Israeli authorities, under US pressure, announced a partial reopening of the Karm Abu Salem crossing to allow limited humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, other crossings remain closed, including Rafah, which serves as the main gateway for Gaza residents traveling in and out of the Strip.
Hebrew-language media reported that Israeli authorities have not yet received any political-level instructions to reopen the crossing, citing what Israeli officials described as “current field conditions” that do not permit it.
Meanwhile, Gaza’s health sector is facing a severe crisis due to the continued blockade on medicines and medical supplies, alongside ongoing Israeli attacks targeting medical personnel through killings and arrests during the two years of war in the territory, as well as the widespread destruction of major hospitals.
Reports from international and UN institutions warn that Gaza’s healthcare system is on the brink of total collapse, as it struggles to meet the needs of patients and the wounded amid a sharp rise in injuries and an urgent demand for medical interventions.
