Israel to maintain control over Rafah border crossing

Israel has announced that it will retain control over the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip during the first phase of the ceasefire with Hamas, the Associated Press writes.

The office of the Israeli Prime Minister has denied reports that the Palestinian authorities will take control of the crossing.

The statement indicates that EU observers will oversee the crossing, which will be surrounded by Israeli forces. Israel will also vet all movements of people and goods.

The ceasefire, which has been in effect for four days, aims to establish peace in war-torn Gaza for at least six weeks and to facilitate the release of 33 hostages held by Hamas in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.