The Rafah crossing has remained a contentious issue during the ceasefire following the war between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. Despite being located along the border between the Palestinian territories and Egypt, Israel has had military personnel there, who have, among other things, stopped trucks carrying aid to Gaza's civilian population.
The opening of Rafah signals that Gaza is no longer closed off to the future and the world, says Ali Shaath in connection with a signing ceremony for the US-led "peace council" at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland.
Ali Shaath has recently been appointed prime minister of an interim government for Gaza.
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