SIS: Israel Cannot Impose Conditions on Rafah Crossing

Egypt has affirmed that Israel cannot force any arrangements on Cairo regarding the operation of the Rafah border crossing, according to Diaa Rashwan, head of the State Information Services (SIS) .

Rashwan said Egypt’s position on the crossing remains firm and grounded in full sovereignty, emphasizing that any reopening must be coordinated from both sides.

He stressed that “there is no concept in the Egyptian dictionary of something being imposed by force,” adding that Israel “does not have the power to force anything, and Egypt does not have the weakness to accept such pressure.”

Rashwan noted that Israel has “completely destroyed” the Palestinian side of the crossing — including access roads and administrative buildings — before sealing it and deploying forces across the area. “This is what Israel possesses, and under international law, it amounts to occupation,” he said.

He added that while Israel may choose to open or close its side of the crossing from Gaza, “it is for Egypt alone to decide when and under what terms it opens the crossing from its side.”

The Rafah crossing continues to be a focal point of regional tension as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens.