31 May 2024: Palestinian Health Minister Majed Abu Ramadan has stated that there is no indication Israel will reopen the Rafah crossing soon. Speaking at a press briefing in Geneva, Abu Ramadan emphasized that the decision lies entirely with the Israeli authorities.
On May 6, Israel launched a ground assault on Rafah, claiming control of the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing, the only border link between the enclave and Egypt, according to reports from Xinhua news agency. This crossing is a crucial route for humanitarian aid entering Gaza and serves as an exit point for medical evacuees.
Abu Ramadan condemned Israel’s actions, labeling them as crimes against humanity, regardless of the death toll. “What matters is that there is a crime against humanity. With one or a million (dead), that doesn’t change the situation,” he asserted.
The health minister highlighted that the closure has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, depriving residents of essential health services. “At the moment, people are deprived of almost all aspects of health services,” he said, noting that those unable to receive adequate care in Gaza are barred from seeking treatment elsewhere, particularly in Egypt.
“This is only a part of the situation,” Abu Ramadan added, stressing the compounded difficulties faced by Gaza’s population due to the continued closure of the Rafah crossing.
