Egyptian-American-Israeli arrangements are in place to begin reopening the Rafah crossing, amid US discussions of moving to a new phase that includes disarming Hamas. This coincides with other transitional political, security, and administrative arrangements in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reported US sources as saying that the mechanism for operating the Rafah crossing “has been decided between the US, Israel, Egypt and the Palestinian side,” and that it will be opened this week. Various executive bodies in North Sinai are preparing to open Rafah crossing in both directions, facilitating the movement of Palestinians between Egypt and Gaza. Sources reported that Hamas recently agreed to discuss the issue of disarmament with other Palestinian factions and mediators.
