Jerusalem, Israeli media reported Sunday. The reports came after a newly appointed administrator for Gaza said Thursday that the crossing would be operational in both directions next week. Israeli news site Ynet reported, citing an unnamed Israeli official, that while the meeting between Netanyahu, Witkoff and Kushner was "positive", Witkoff pressed Israel to reopen Rafah even before Hamas returned the remains of the last Israeli hostage believed to be held in Gaza. According to the official, Witkoff also raised the possibility of Turkey playing a role in Gaza's future.

"Witkoff pushed to bring our greatest rival, Turkey, to our border," the official was quoted as saying. "The clock is ticking toward a confrontation with Turkey, which would pose a real threat to our security." The official also accused Witkoff of acting on behalf of Doha, saying he had "become a lobbyist for Qatari interests", according to Ynet. When asked to confirm the Israeli media reports, Shosh Bedrosian, spokeswoman for Netanyahu's office, told AFP that she would look into the matter. Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected any Turkish role in post-war Gaza, despite US President Donald Trump having invited President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to join his so-called "Board of Peace". Relations between Israel and Turkey have deteriorated since the war in Gaza broke out in October 2023 following the Hamas attack on Israel. (Bssnews)