Rafah: The United States Ambassador to Egypt, Herro Mustafa Garg, visited Arish city and the Rafah border crossing on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. Her visit aimed to oversee the implementation of the ongoing ceasefire agreement and the opening of the Rafah crossing as outlined in the accord.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Ambassador Mustafa met with Major General Khaled Megawer, Governor of North Sinai. She expressed gratitude to the Egyptian government for its significant role in reaching the ceasefire agreement and highlighted Egypt’s essential contribution to maintaining regional stability.

In addition, the Ambassador held discussions with humanitarian agencies to ensure that U.S. emergency food assistance is delivered to civilians in Gaza. The United States remains dedicated to pursuing regional peace and security while implementing the terms of the ceasefire agreement, as stated by the U.S. Embassy.

The ceasefire agreement, approved on Wednesday, January 15, involved Egyptian, American, and Qatari mediation. It followed a 15-month period of conflict that resulted in the deaths of over 46,707 Palestinian people. The ceasefire took effect on Sunday, January 19, leading to the release of three Israeli female prisoners and 90 Palestinian prisoners after a delay of nearly seven hours.

The spokesman for the Al-Qassam Brigades, Abu Ubaida, stated that efforts were made to safeguard the lives of prisoners held in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023. Furthermore, on Saturday, January 25, four Israeli soldier prisoners were exchanged for 200 Palestinian prisoners.

The four released soldiers, identified as Karina Arif, Danielle Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Elbag, appeared in military uniform and in good health alongside Hamas members on a platform set up in the square.