The appeal follows reports of Israeli air strikes near Rafah, a town that sits on the border between Egypt and Gaza. Under the first phase of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, the crossing was expected to reopen earlier in the week, but that has not yet happened.

In Cairo, residents expressed deep concern for the people of Gaza, describing them as family and urging for swift action to end their suffering. “This is the wish of all Egyptians — for the borders to open and for aid to reach Gaza. We just want this humanitarian crisis to end,” said one local resident.

Another Egyptian, Maryam, echoed similar feelings of solidarity. “They are our brothers and sisters. We will do all we can to help them,” she said.

Despite growing public pressure, Israeli authorities announced that the crossing would remain closed until further notice. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that its reopening depends on Hamas handing over the bodies of deceased hostages.

With the ceasefire under strain and accusations of violations on both sides, the delay in reopening Rafah has worsened conditions for civilians in Gaza. Meanwhile, Egyptian Red Crescent vehicles carrying food, medical supplies, and mobile clinics remain stationed at the border, waiting for clearance to enter the enclave.

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Under the first stage of the peace deal, Hamas was required to return 20 living hostages and the remains of 28 others. So far, all living captives and several bodies have been handed over, but 19 remain missing. Hamas says the devastation across Gaza has made locating the bodies difficult and that special equipment is needed for the search.

US officials have downplayed fears that the ceasefire could collapse, saying that ongoing talks with mediators are “positive” and that Hamas has shown intent to uphold the agreement.

Israel has confirmed that the two bodies returned most recently belong to Sergeant-Major Muhammad al-Atarash, 39, and Inbar Hayman, 27 — the last female hostage known to have been held. Both were killed during the October 7 attacks.

At the Rafah crossing, preparations are underway to allow Palestinians, particularly those who are sick or injured, to leave Gaza for medical care. International monitors are expected to oversee operations, though aid deliveries remain restricted to other crossings.

In Gaza, residents are struggling with rising food prices and shortages as uncertainty grows over whether the ceasefire will last. Meanwhile, Palestinian health officials are working to identify the bodies of 90 Palestinians recently returned by Israel, many of which remain unrecognizable due to the conditions in which they were found.

US advisers say the process of recovering all hostages’ remains could take weeks, given the scale of destruction. They also mentioned discussions about future governance in Gaza, possibly involving a new technocratic administration supported by regional powers.

For many families, both in Israel and Gaza, the ceasefire has brought a painful mix of relief and heartbreak — moments of reunion alongside the grief of those still waiting for closure.

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