Storyline: Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Thursday the Rafah aid crossing between Gaza and Egypt will probably reopen on the coming Sunday for the movement of people. Saar, speaking from Italy, said that all necessary preparations are underway for the reopening of the border crossing. According to the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, Israel was originally expected to reopen the Rafah crossing on Wednesday. However, Israeli authorities announced a postponement on Tuesday, citing Hamas' failure to deliver the remains of all detained individuals by the agreed deadline. Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, an agency under the Defense Ministry responsible for the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, also issued a statement on Thursday. According to the statement, Israel is working closely with Egypt to facilitate the reopening of the Rafah crossing. The specific date for reopening to human traffic will be announced once both sides complete the required preparations. The Rafah crossing sits at the southern tip of Gaza, connecting the enclave to Egypt, and serves as a crucial route for the entry and exit of international humanitarian aid. Its closure has also impacted the ability of injured and ill Gazans to seek medical treatment abroad. Local residents in Gaza have called on Israel to expedite the reopening of the Rafah crossing, stressing the urgent need for humanitarian relief and medical access. In a statement released on October 12, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians returning to their homes across Gaza. Beyond the lack of adequate shelter and essential supplies, residents continue to confront the immediate threats of hunger and malnutrition. Israel and Hamas signed the ceasefire agreement on October 9 in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El Sheikh, bringing hope for an end to a war that has killed over 67,000 Palestinians in the enclave, a majority of them women and children. Phase one of the deal includes the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and the inflow of essential supplies into Gaza. It also envisages the rebuilding of Gaza and the establishment of a new governing mechanism without Hamas. Shotlist: FILE: Rafah, Egypt - Aug 6, 2025: 1. Various of Rafah crossing 2. Various of trucks loaded with supplies waiting to get through Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip - Oct 13, 2025: 3. Crowds welcoming vehicles carrying released detainees 4. Various of released detainees on bus, welcoming crowds 5. Various of released detainees walking, shaking hands, hugging with others Gaza Strip - Oct 12, 2025: 6. Various of rubble, destroyed buildings 7. Various of people walking in street lined with rubble. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]