UN Welcomes Reopening Of Rafah Crossing – Spokesperson

NEW YORK, Feb 3 (Bernama-Sputnik/RIA Novosti) -- The United Nations (UN) welcomes the reopening of the Rafah crossing on the border between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, its spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Monday, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti.

On Sunday, the Israeli Coordinator of the Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) said that it will open the Rafah checkpoint on the border of the Gaza Strip and Egypt for a limited movement of people in both directions on Feb. 2, after a trial day for testing.

"I can tell you that we welcome the reopening of the Rafah crossing. As we have said before, civilians must be allowed to leave and return voluntarily and safely, as international law requires. Ultimately, central humanitarian supplies must enter in sufficient quantities and with fewer restrictions, through Rafa and all other crossings," Dujarric told reporters.

The UN spokesman added that earlier in the day, the UN supported medical evacuation efforts from Gaza.

"The limited reopening of the crossing allowed some patients and companions to exit directly into Egypt, while others transited through the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing," Dujarric said.

--BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI