Pakistan condemns Israel’s plan to open Rafah crossing only for fleeing Gazans

• Israel announced this week it would reopen Rafah crossing only for Palestinians fleeing Gaza to Egypt
• Deputy PM Dar speaks to Saudi foreign minister, labels move “clear violation” of the Gaza peace plan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday condemned Israel’s plan to partially reopen the Rafah crossing only for fleeing residents of Gaza, describing it as a “clear violation” of the region’s peace plan.

US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza calls for Israeli authorities to let in humanitarian aid into the territory and open the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt from both sides.

Israel, however, has continued to restrict the entry of aid, while a military unit called Israel’s Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) said this Wednesday the crossing will open in the coming days “exclusively for the exit of residents from the Gaza Strip to Egypt.”

Dar, who is also Pakistan’s foreign minister, held a telephonic conversation with his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan to discuss regional developments, particularly Gaza, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported.

“During the telephonic conversation, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister strongly condemned Israel’s unilateral plan to restrict the Rafah crossing for the exit only of Gaza residents, a clear violation of the peace plan and a move that undermines humanitarian access,” the state media said.

The statement said both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring “unfettered aid to Gaza” and advancing coordinated efforts toward lasting peace.

Despite Israel’s statement, Egypt has denied it has struck any deal with Tel Aviv on the reopening of the crossing and has said it will open only if movement takes place both ways.

COGAT’s statement this week has raised concerns that the partial reopening of the crossing will lead to mass displacement of Palestinians.