Egypt Considers Reopening Border Crossing to Gaza for Foreigners and Palestinians

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the Egyptian-controlled border crossing into Gaza will reopen, allowing for the delivery of humanitarian aid. The US is working with Egypt, Israel, and the United Nations to facilitate the safe passage of assistance to Gaza and the evacuation of foreign passport holders through the Rafah crossing. Egypt has intensified diplomatic efforts to resolve the impasse, and the US has appointed a Special Envoy for Middle East Humanitarian Issues to address the Gaza crisis. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi criticized Israel for a disproportionate response and called for cooperation to combat extremism. Israel's bombardments near the Rafah crossing have hindered its operation, but efforts are underway to facilitate aid delivery. Egypt also rejected any plan to displace Palestinians and proposed hosting a summit to address the crisis.