Egypt was to open the Rafiach Crossing from Gaza to Egypt on Wednesday, 26 Cheshvan, opening the door for many Gazans waiting for the opportunity to enter. It happens to coincide with PLO Independence Day as declared on November 15, 1988 by Yasser Arafat YM”S.

The opening of the crossing was significant on Wednesday, for Egypt was to have handed over control for the crossing to the PA (Palestinian Authority), but this did not occur. This would be the first time the PA controlled the crossing in a decade, a move made possible by the Fatah-Hamas reconciliation.

While the move is still expected to take place, perhaps in the coming days, it did not take place as scheduled on Wednesday. Haaretz reports the matter has already been placed on the agenda for a meeting of factions set to take place in Cairo on November 21st. Needless to say, the delay is leading to anger and frustration among Gazans, who expected the signing of the reconciliation would lead to improvement in their lives, including the opening of Rafiach.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)