Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africa News
Published on 2024-02-11 12:24:52
The possibility of Israel launching an offensive in the densely populated Palestinian town of Rafah has raised concerns about the potential destabilization of the region. According to the Associated Press, Egypt has threatened to suspend a peace deal with Israel if Israeli troops are sent into Rafah. This threat comes as a result of the escalating conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of over 27,000 Palestinians.
The Camp David Accords, a US-brokered peace deal signed in 1978 between Israel and Egypt, are at risk if Israeli troops enter Rafah. The historical significance of this peace treaty, which ended decades of hostility between the two countries, adds weight to the potential consequences of such an offensive. Additionally, Saudi Arabia and other countries have warned of severe repercussions if Israel targets the town of Rafah, which borders Egypt and is currently home to 1.4 million people – a significant increase from its usual population of less than 300,000.
The conflict in Gaza was sparked by an attack by Palestinian Hamas militants, who killed around 1,200 people and abducted around 250. Israel responded with a campaign aimed at defeating the militants, resulting in ongoing violence and civilian displacement. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has suggested that civilians in Rafah could flee north, and stated that Israel is developing a detailed plan to relocate them. However, Egypt has heavily fortified its border with Gaza and expressed concern about an expansion of combat to the Rafah area, fearing an influx of terrified Palestinian civilians crossing the border.
The United Nations has reported severe overcrowding in Rafah, and the ongoing conflict has taken a toll on the Palestinian population, with dozens killed in recent airstrikes, including women and children. The Gaza Health Ministry has reported a death toll of 28,176 since the start of the war, with the majority of those killed being women and children. Additionally, Hamas has demanded the release of Palestinian prisoners and an end to the Israeli offensive, conditions that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has vehemently rejected.
The situation in Rafah and Gaza remains tense, with Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and other countries expressing concerns over the potential consequences of an Israeli offensive. The prospect of further destabilization in the region, in addition to the significant loss of life and civilian displacement, underscores the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Any escalation of violence in the region could have far-reaching implications and necessitates careful diplomatic negotiation and international intervention.
Read Original article on Africa News
