According to the reports on Thursday (16 October), Israel and Hamas remain in a tense standoff as preparations begin to reopen Gaza’s Rafah crossing with Egypt, though no official date has been set. The reopening aims to allow Palestinians to move in and out of the enclave, but disputes over the return of bodies of hostages held by Hamas continue to threaten the fragile U.S.-mediated ceasefire. Israel has demanded the full handover of the 28 deceased hostages, while Hamas claims it has returned only 10 bodies, with disagreements over their identification.
The ceasefire remains fragile as both sides accuse each other of violations. Hamas claimed that Israel killed at least 24 Palestinians since the truce began, while Israel maintains its forces acted in self-defense when Palestinians approached restricted areas. Meanwhile, the next phase of the U.S.-engineered 20-point peace plan, which calls for Hamas to relinquish weapons and cede authority in Gaza, has yet to be implemented, with Hamas instead asserting its control through security crackdowns and public displays of power.
Humanitarian needs in Gaza are urgent as famine conditions and widespread destruction affect the 2.2 million residents. Israel has coordinated with Egypt to determine a date for reopening the Rafah crossing, though aid will continue to flow primarily through the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing after inspections. Despite hundreds of aid trucks entering Gaza under the truce, officials warn that this remains far below the required level to address the humanitarian crisis.
The long-term future of Gaza remains uncertain, with issues such as reconstruction, governance, and international aid distribution still unresolved. Palestinian authorities and international partners are preparing for discussions on managing aid and rebuilding the territory, but much depends on resolving political and security disputes. Meanwhile, Gaza continues to struggle with mass displacement, damaged infrastructure, and limited access to essential services following the heavy bombardment during the conflict.
References
Israel Prepares Rafah Crossing Amid Hostage Disputes and Gaza Crisis
