Rédaction Africa Links 24 with CNN
Published on 2024-02-17 07:47:44
In light of Israel’s war on Hamas, Egypt is bolstering its security presence at the border with the Gaza Strip to prevent a potential spillover of the conflict onto its territory. The move is a precautionary measure ahead of an expected Israeli ground operation in Rafah, with Egypt deploying more troops and machinery in North Sinai, bordering Gaza.
The Cambell News Network (CNN) reported that Egyptian security officials consider it necessary to fortify their border due to the influx of more than half of Gaza’s population, who have sought shelter just steps away from the frontier. There is a growing concern as Israel’s military campaign in Gaza continues to push Palestinians southward in the enclave, while also preparing for a military operation in Rafah.
New satellite images obtained by CNN show Egypt’s construction of a massive buffer zone and wall along its border with southern Gaza. These images, taken by Maxar Technologies, reveal that a significant section of Egypt’s territory has been bulldozed and that multiple cranes are laying sections of the wall. Based on the satellite data, Egypt began the excavation for the buffer zone on February 3, and there has been a significant uptick in excavation activity this week.
Furthermore, eyewitness reports have confirmed that checkpoints leading to the Rafah border crossing on the Egyptian side have been reinforced with more soldiers, and military machinery is being prepared for deployment. Egyptian military helicopters have also been spotted flying on the Egyptian side near the border with Gaza.
The heightened security at the Egyptian border is a response to the Israeli military campaign in Gaza. Egyptian officials publicly criticized far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for his comments regarding Egypt’s responsibility for recent Hamas attacks. Egypt’s foreign ministry spokesperson condemned these statements, denouncing them as “irresponsible and inflammatory.”
Egypt’s relationship with Israel is significant, as it was the first Arab nation to recognize Israel in 1979. The two countries signed a landmark peace treaty that led to Israel’s return of the Sinai Peninsula captured in the 1967 war. The treaty also resulted in limits on the number of troops stationed on the border between Egypt and Gaza, which was controlled by Israel at the time.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Israel’s operations in Rafah, reports of Egypt threatening to void the peace treaty have been dismissed. Egypt’s foreign minister asserted that Cairo would adhere to the treaty as long as it remains reciprocal. An Israeli official acknowledged that Egypt has expressed concerns about Israel’s operations but emphasized that there is ongoing collaboration between the two nations’ security forces.
The potential for an Israeli military operation in Rafah has triggered concerns from Egypt. With more than 1.3 million Palestinians crammed into a sprawling tent city in Rafah, there are fears of the situation escalating. Some Israeli cabinet ministers have publicly called for the resettlement of Gaza by Jews after the war, leading to a strong reaction from the Egyptian foreign ministry.
The memories of the 2008 border crisis are still fresh for Egypt. The country faced a situation where hundreds of Gazans stormed into its territory after the border wall was destroyed. As the current conflict continues, there are growing tensions surrounding the potential of a large influx of Palestinians into Egypt.
The recent security buildup at the Egyptian border reflects a change in the region’s dynamics. It is clear that Egypt is responding decisively to the threat of an Israeli military operation in Rafah and taking measures to safeguard its territory. The collaboration between Israel and Egypt remains crucial in maintaining regional stability, and the escalation of tensions raises significant concerns about the potential consequences for the wider Middle East.
Read Original article on Egypt Independent
