Impact of Egypt’s Border Control Policy on Displaced Palestinians
The image captured on Feb. 18 depicts the dire situation at the Gaza-Egypt border, with over a million displaced Palestinians crowded into makeshift camps on the Gaza side, seeking refuge from the ongoing Israeli offensive. On the opposite side lies Egypt’s sparsely populated Sinai Peninsula, heavily guarded to prevent Palestinian entry into Egypt, amid concerns that they may not be allowed to return to Gaza.
With Gaza witnessing thousands of casualties since the conflict began in October, the Sinai Peninsula could offer a temporary sanctuary for displaced Palestinians. However, Egypt remains wary of a mass refugee influx, fearing repercussions from Israel. While Egypt aids Gaza with humanitarian assistance, it draws a red line at allowing a significant Palestinian exodus into its territory.
Acting as a mediator between Israel and Hamas, Egypt plays a pivotal role in negotiating a resolution to the conflict. As tensions escalate, particularly with Israel’s looming threat of a major offensive in Rafah, Egypt’s diplomatic efforts become increasingly urgent.
Challenges at the Gaza-Egypt Border
At the southern edge of Gaza, displaced Palestinians peer through the border fence at Egyptian soldiers, highlighting the tense standoff between the two sides. Talks between Egyptian officials and stakeholders focus on a potential six-week cease-fire, with hopes of extension. These discussions, shrouded in secrecy due to their sensitive nature, underscore the delicate balance of ongoing negotiations.
Egypt, supported by the U.S., facilitates the delivery of vital aid into Gaza via the Rafah border crossing. However, stringent Israeli inspections of aid trucks prolong the process, limiting the flow of essential supplies such as fuel, medicine, and food. This bottleneck exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, underscoring the intricate dynamics of the conflict.
The current turmoil in Gaza is deeply rooted in the historical grievances of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, tracing back to the mass displacement of Palestinians during the 1948-49 war. This enduring legacy continues to shape the region’s complex geopolitical landscape, influencing present-day policies and decisions.
Concerns Over Permanent Displacement and Conflict Overflow
The potential for a repeat of the Nakba, the catastrophic displacement experienced by Palestinians over 70 years ago, fuels the determination of many in Gaza to remain in their homeland.
Regarding the
Egypt border control policy
, Egyptian authorities have expressed reservations about actions that could jeopardize the establishment of a future Palestinian state, a scenario Cairo is keen on avoiding any association with. In the initial stages of the conflict, Egypt’s government even urged public demonstrations against forced displacement and in solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Simultaneously, Egypt aims to steer clear of being drawn into the conflict should militants breach the open border, potentially triggering Israeli offensives and subsequent Egyptian retaliations.
During the early phases of the conflict, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi voiced suspicions that Israel might be attempting to redirect Palestinians into Egypt by restricting essential supplies like food, medicine, fuel, and water in Gaza.
While Israel’s government denies harboring such intentions, a faction within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition has advocated for the expulsion of Palestinians. Some have even proposed the reconstruction of Jewish settlements in Gaza, which were dismantled by Israel in 2005.
This rhetoric has heightened anxieties among Egyptians and Palestinians regarding the future implications of the situation.
Karin Huster, a medical coordinator with Doctors Without Borders, recently spent five weeks in Gaza, including Rafah, shedding light on the sentiments of the local population.
“I’ve never encountered anyone expressing a desire to cross into Egypt. Their primary wish is to find a safe haven where they can live without the constant threat of bombardment, to sleep peacefully and wake up alive the next day,” she shared with NPR. “Some individuals have even expressed their longing to return to their destroyed homes, vowing to pitch a tent there for safety, even if it means facing death at their own doorstep.”
Displacement of Palestinian Families in Gaza
Families in Gaza have faced repeated displacement as a result of Israel’s attacks on the region. A poignant image captures a family gathered around a fire in Rafah, southern Gaza, on Feb. 22.
Abed Zagout/Anadolu via Getty Images
Witnessing families carrying mattresses and essentials towards the coast, setting up makeshift tents on the beach in anticipation of an impending Israeli military incursion into Rafah, reflects the harsh reality. Amidst intense Israeli airstrikes and naval assaults, a rescue operation led to the release of two Israeli hostages but tragically claimed the lives of numerous Palestinian civilians, including children, as reported by Gaza’s health ministry.
Recent diplomatic signals from Egyptian officials suggest a potential suspension of the 1979 peace treaty with Israel if a military offensive in Rafah drives people into the Sinai region. This development could disrupt a crucial security pact brokered by the U.S., which had fostered peace between the two nations following previous conflicts.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry emphasized the country’s stance on the matter, stating, “The displacement of Palestinians into our territory is a red line.” This firm position underscores Egypt’s border control policy and the rejection of any forced displacement into Egyptian lands.
Concerns exist regarding a potential Israeli military action
Israeli Air Strike Hits Rafah Refugee Camp
The Rafah refugee camp witnessed the aftermath of an Israeli air strike, leaving behind a scene of destruction with buildings reduced to rubble and the al-Faruq mosque heavily damaged on Feb. 22.
Said Khatib/AFP via Getty Images
Plans for Military Offensive in Rafah
Netanyahu and Israeli security officials are strategizing a military offensive targeting Gaza’s southern border town of Rafah, identified as the final Hamas stronghold within the territory. The proposed operation includes the evacuation of Palestinian civilians residing in the densely populated Rafah area. However, the absence of a concrete blueprint raises uncertainties. Given the extensive destruction across the region and the scarcity of aid resources, the destination for the displaced Palestinians remains uncertain.
President Joe Biden, a vocal advocate of Israel during the conflict, has cautioned Netanyahu against launching an offensive in Rafah without a comprehensive relocation plan for the over 1 million civilians inhabiting the region.
Amidst these developments, concerns arise regarding the Egypt border control policy and its implications on the escalating situation in the region.
