Daniel Estrin

President Trump is seeking a deal with Iran that would address Iran's nuclear program.

But in a sign of escalating tensions, the U.S.

military says today it shot down an Iranian drone approaching a U.S.

aircraft carrier.

Israeli public broadcasting is reporting that unnamed Israeli officials believe negotiations with Iran are futile and will only bolster the regime.

Netanyahu also told Witkoff that Gaza must be demilitarized before any reconstruction happens there.

Daniel Estrin, NPR News, Tel Aviv.

An Israeli security official and Egyptian state TV announced the Rafah border crossing was open.

But Palestinian health officials say it appears only five medical patients will be given Israeli permission today to leave through the crossing.

In addition, small groups of medical patients may be allowed in and out through a separate Israeli crossing.

These small numbers don't meet the need.

Gaza health officials say 20,000 Palestinians are in need of medical treatment abroad that they can't get in Gaza.

There are still no arrangements to allow travel for average Palestinians.

But the move to reopen the crossing is a milestone.

Under U.S.

pressure, Israel allowed it to reopen after a final Israeli hostage body was recovered last week.

Daniel Estrin, NPR News, Tel Aviv.

The Rafah border crossing has been almost completely sealed since Israeli forces captured it in 2024.

Most Palestinians have not been able to leave or enter Gaza since.

Now, Egyptian authorities, Palestinian security officers and European Union border patrol officers are making final arrangements to reopen the land crossing.