Rami Abdo, head of the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Center, warned that the partial and experimental opening of the Rafah crossing, without clear and transparent travel rules, is a fragile measure that strengthens Israeli control.
In an interview with the Palestinian Shehab News Agency, Abdo said the crossing’s opening is vital for basic rights, including travel, medical care, and education. However, unclear procedures for registration, travel criteria, and safe routes raise serious concerns.
He noted that delays and ambiguity allow Israel to control all aspects of the crossing, and the lack of clear rules risks selectivity, corruption, and fear among Palestinians of arrest or disappearance. Legally, Israel has no right to manage Rafah, which lies on the Gaza-Egypt border and should be fully Palestinian-Egyptian administered.
Abdo called for unified Palestinian action rejecting Israeli conditions, professional civilian management of the crossing, and for Egypt to ensure regular operations respecting human dignity. He urged the European mission and the international community to guarantee rights and accountability, emphasizing that freedom of movement is a fundamental right that cannot be suspended or negotiated.
