Israel has announced it will retain control of the strategic Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza during the initial phase of the ceasefire with Hamas, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on Wednesday.

The announcement clarifies that while local Palestinians not affiliated with Hamas will handle passport processing after security vetting, Israeli forces will maintain overall control of the crossing. European Union monitors will provide supervision, and Israel will retain authority over all movement of people and goods through the checkpoint.

This development comes as the ceasefire enters its fourth day, with an agreement in place for at least six weeks of calm and the planned release of 33 Hamas-held hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The crossing's operation is crucial for humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza's population.

The United Nations reports significant progress in aid delivery, with nearly 900 trucks entering Gaza on Tuesday alone, exceeding the deal's requirement of 600 trucks. UN humanitarian coordinator Muhannad Hadi described witnessing Palestinians in the streets 'looking ahead with hope' during his recent visit.

'They don't like the fact that they have been depending on humanitarian aid,' Hadi reported after speaking with families at a UN World Food Program communal kitchen. Residents expressed desires to return home, resume work, and restart children's education.

The conflict, which began with Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people and led to 250 hostages being taken, has resulted in significant casualties. According to local health authorities, over 47,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, with Israel claiming 17,000 were militants, though this claim remains unverified.

Egypt, which has played a key role in mediating the ceasefire negotiations, has advocated for Palestinian control of the Gaza side of the crossing, which Israel captured in May. The current arrangement represents a delicate balance between security concerns and humanitarian needs as the region works toward stability.