As Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) make their way into the densely populated Rafah area in the southern Gaza Strip, diplomatic relations between Israel and Egypt teeter on the precipice of significant tension. Egypt has issued stark warnings that a full-scale incursion into Rafah not only threatens the longstanding peace agreement between the two nations but also risks regional destabilization.
The city of Rafah, where over a million Palestinians have sought refuge amid heavy bombardment, is now the epicenter of a potential humanitarian crisis of immense proportions. Egypt is poised on a delicate precipice, facing internal and external pressures to open its borders to what could be an influx of refugees, among which might lurk members of extremist groups, posing direct threats to Egyptian security. The Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has reiterated his firm stance against relocating Palestinians into Egypt, as it would, in his view, equate to “the liquidation of the Palestinian cause.”
At the heart of the issue lies the Rafah border crossing, which has become a point of contention. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz highlighted that the world is wrongly attributing the humanitarian crisis to Israel, claiming that Egypt holds the key to averting disaster. In turn, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry accused Israel of distorting facts and dodging its responsibilities as the occupying power. He also noted that the shelling around Rafah has endangered the lives of aid workers, thus impeding humanitarian relief efforts.
The diplomatic fallout was exemplified by Egypt’s support for South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, describing Israel’s military operations in Rafah as “a flagrant violation of international law.” Such measures demonstrate a new low in the diplomatic relationship between Egypt and Israel, which had been warming up since Sisi’s rise to power in 2014.
On the ground, Israel’s decision to press forward with its ground offensive and the reinforcement of its troops in Rafah have sent shockwaves through Egypt. Political science professor Hassan Nafaa from Cairo University emphasized that expanding the ground offensive would not only trigger a catastrophic humanitarian crisis but also threaten Egypt’s security and stability.
Meanwhile, humanitarian operations are nearing collapse as the UN halts food distribution in Rafah due to the untenable security situation, and the World Food Program warns that “famine-like conditions will spread” if aid does not resume. Humanitarian efforts have been further hamstrung by the Israeli assault on Rafah that began on May 6, with tanks and troops seizing the vital crossing into Egypt, effectively closing it and impeding aid.
A chilling indication of the severity of the situation is evident in the UK’s significant £70 million emergency funding to aid Gaza since the conflict’s inception. Yet, this funding faces barriers, with land crossings strictly controlled by the IDF, and aid convoys impeded by exhaustive inspections. Diplomatic efforts to enhance access to Gaza have fallen short, with little aid reaching those in dire need.
Despite international outcry, Israeli leaders have expressed their non-negotiable conditions for any ceasefire, firmly stating that operations will not cease without the release of all Israeli hostages captured during Hamas’ raid. This stance has led to diplomatic isolation as the global community watches with trepidation the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Relevant articles:
– A Rafah invasion might kill peace between Israel and Egypt, Atlantic Council, 05/22/2024
– Israel Bombards Rafah ahead of Talks Aimed at Sealing Truce, Asharq Al-awsat – English, 05/21/2024
– UK humanitarian aid to Gaza – Information note, May 2024 – occupied Palestinian territory, ReliefWeb, 05/21/2024
– Israel Balks at Hamas’ ‘Far-Reaching’ Ceasefire Proposal as Rafah Invasion Looms, Yahoo New Zealand News, 05/20/2024
Glad you enjoyed above story, be sure to follow TrendyDigests on Microsoft Start.