Israel to partially reopen Gaza's Rafah crossing on Sunday

Palestinian militant group Hamas called on Friday for Israel to reopen Gaza's Rafah crossing to Egypt immediately in both directions.

In a statement, the group called for the "immediate transition to the second phase" of the U.S.-brokered truce in Gaza, namely its provision for the reopening of Rafah, as well as the entry of a technocratic Palestinian committee to administer the territory.

Israel said the Rafah crossing would be reopened on Sunday, but only for the "limited movement of people".

"The Rafah Crossing will open this coming Sunday (February 1st) in both directions, for limited movement of people only", COGAT, a defense ministry body overseeing civil affairs in the Palestinian territories, said in a statement on Friday.

Entry and exit "will be permitted in coordination with Egypt, following prior security clearance of individuals by Israel, and under the supervision of the European Union mission", it added.