CAIRO — The US, Israel and Egypt have agreed to a ceasefire in southern Gaza to coincide with the reopening of the Rafah border crossing, two Egyptian security sources have told reporters.

The ceasefire is reportedly expected to begin now, following claims the Egyptian-controlled crossing would reopen at the same time.

The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza will reopen to allow humanitarian aid in, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said,

“Rafah will be reopened. We’re putting in place with the United Nations, with Egypt, with Israel, with others, a mechanism by which to get the assistance in and to get it to people who need it,” he said

Blinken made the comments after a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Sunday but did not give further details.

US media have reported that the crossing will reopen at 9 a.m. local time on Monday for several hours. Aid convoys are already queueing to get in. Some dual nationals and foreign passport holders are also expected to be evacuated via the crossing.

Meanwhile, Israel says it will start the evacuation of residents in 28 villages up to 2km from its border in the north with Lebanon.

It follows intensifying fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah since the start of the conflict in Palestine a week ago.

At least one Israeli soldier died and three were wounded on Sunday, following repeated attacks by the Lebanese group at a military post in northern Israel.

In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces and the ministry of defense said the plan had been approved by Defence Secretary Yoav Gallant.

Residents of the evacuated villages will be moved to state-subsidised guest houses. — Euronews