Palestinian Ambassador to Russia Abdel Hafez Nofal stated that in the past two days Israel has not carried out air or ground strikes on the Rafah border crossing. He described Israel’s tone as constructive with regard to the ongoing evacuation of foreign nationals and the delivery of humanitarian relief to the Gaza Strip, noting that coordination with Egypt continues to shape practical steps on the ground. The ambassador emphasized that the situation around Rafah remains highly fluid, with constant shifts in operational details and planning. According to his account, Israeli authorities sometimes hinder his official duties or collaborate with Egyptian counterparts to determine the crossing’s status and procedural timing. This uncertainty complicates any definitive timetable for evacuations, including the movements of Russian citizens who remain in Gaza and seek exit through Rafah in coming days.
The diplomat added that there have been no Israeli active engagements at the checkpoint in the last 48 hours, a development he tied to the ongoing safe passage for foreigners seeking to reach Egypt. He also asserted that humanitarian aid convoys continue to arrive in Gaza, albeit under strict oversight and with the evident need to synchronize with security and logistical requirements on both sides of the border.
Earlier remarks highlighted that Russians evacuated from the Gaza Strip have attempted to reach Rafah using mobile and unconventional methods, including travel by donkey through the surrounding routes, underscoring the fragility and improvisational nature of exit options for residents and foreign nationals alike amid the deteriorating conditions.
In broader context, international figures have recently urged restraint and an immediate halt to hostilities. Notably, prominent Hollywood figures signed letters that called for a cessation of fire in both Israel and Gaza, reflecting a global demand for humanitarian pauses and renewed diplomatic engagement to protect civilian lives while addressing security concerns in the region. These appeals coincide with ongoing discussions about safe corridors, adherence to international law, and the roles of regional actors in facilitating aid delivery and safe evacuations for international residents and visitors.
Analysts observing the situation stress the critical importance of consistent humanitarian access, predictable crossing operations, and transparent communications from authorities about when and how evacuees can depart. The Rafah crossing remains a focal point for coordinating relief efforts, foreign evacuations, and the overall management of civilian protection in a densely populated corridor that has seen repeated disruption and shifting control in recent weeks. Stakeholders continue to monitor the evolving balance between security considerations, diplomatic negotiations, and the urgent humanitarian needs of people trapped in Gaza, along with the practical realities faced by foreign nationals and expatriates who rely on these border facilities for safe passage to Egypt and beyond. (TASS)”