PM Haneyya: We understand Egyptian security concerns but crossing is vital for Gaza

Palestinian Premier Ismail Haneyya said that his government and Hamas movement understand Egyptian security concerns especially in Sinai but still demand reopening Rafah crossing.

Haneyya told Al-Rai news agency on Monday that the Palestinian people hope all the best for Egypt and pray for an end to the bloodshed in that country.

However, the premier underlined that the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip were harmed by the Egyptian closure of the Rafah border terminal and hoped for its permanent opening particularly when “we did not harm anyone and did not and will not threaten Egypt’s security”.

Haneyya said that opening the Rafah crossing was a natural right for the Palestinians and it should not be closed before their movement.

Cairo said that it was closing the Rafah terminal for an indefinite period, which exacerbated the crisis of passengers wishing to travel outside or into the besieged Strip and harmed sick persons who are seeking treatment outside Gaza.