Egyptian authorities in North Sinai brought in the first batch of mobile prefabricated homes/caravans to the Gaza Strip on Friday, through Karem Abu-Salem crossing, south of Rafah city.
The caravans had spent several days queued in front of the main gate of the Rafah land crossing.
North Sinai Governor Khaled Megawer confirmed the entry of the first batch of the prefabricated homes into Gaza Strip.
He pointed out that the terms of the agreement signed between the Palestinian and Israeli sides include the entry of 60,000 prefabricated homes, 200,000 tents and heavy equipment, as per the first and second phases of the truce agreement.
An official source in North Sinai stated that Egypt has proven successful in pressuring Israel to allow the entry of the caravans into Gaza so Palestinians in need can take protection from the harsh winter weather.
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi arrived in Saudi Arabia on Friday, coming from Spain, to participate in an “unofficial” meeting – according to a statement by the Egyptian presidency – at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
The National Public Radio in the US reported that Arab leaders are meeting in Saudi Arabia to exchange ideas on an alternative vision for the future of Gaza that differs from that proposed by US President Donald Trump.
Leaders from Egypt, Jordan and five Gulf states attended the meeting.
A member of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs Diaa Helmy said that the meeting represents an extraordinary step to confront the challenges of the region and the Palestinian cause.
The Palestinian issue has reached a crossroads that requires a harmonious and consistent Arab position, he added.
Meanwhile, Hamas handed over the remains of four Israeli hostages to the Red Cross in the city of Khan Yunis, Gaza.
Qassam Brigades, the movement’s military wing, announced the handover of the deceased hostages and assured its desire to respect the sanctity of the dead and their grieving families – even after Israel’s accusations that they held no regard for the hostage’s lives.
