Egypt refuses to coordinate with Israel on Rafah crossing due to 'unacceptable escalation'

Egypt has refused to coordinate with Israel on the entry of aid into Gaza from the Rafah crossing, citing Israel’s “unacceptable escalation”, Egypt's Alqahera News satellite TV reported on Saturday, citing a senior official.

A senior official added that Egypt held Israel responsible for the deterioration of the situation in the Gaza Strip, according to Reuters.

Israeli military forces on Tuesday seized control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt.

The closing of Rafah and the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing has essentially cut off the besieged Palestinian territory from outside aid.