Arrangements are being made by Egypt along the Gaza border to potentially host Palestinians in case of an Israeli offensive into Rafah causing a cross-border exodus, as reported by four sources.
According to a Reuters report citing four sources, Egypt is taking preparatory steps along the Gaza border to potentially provide shelter for Palestinians in the event of an Israeli offensive into Rafah leading to an exodus across the frontier.
Image - Displaced Palestinian children, escaping Israeli strikes, play near the Egypt border in Rafah amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas on February 15, 2024. Credit - Reuters
This proactive measure by Cairo, characterized as a precautionary move, highlights the growing concerns regarding potential displacement arising from Israel's military actions in Gaza. Despite official statements denying active preparations, Egypt has consistently expressed apprehension about the possibility of Palestinians seeking refuge in the Sinai region, a scenario deemed unacceptable by the Egyptian authorities.
This cautious approach aligns with the sentiments of other Arab nations, such as Jordan, which have similarly voiced concerns about the potential consequences of forced displacement in the region. Additionally, the United States has reiterated its opposition to any actions that might result in the compelled relocation of Gazans, further emphasizing the international dimension of the issue.
Despite maintaining optimism about the ongoing ceasefire negotiations preventing a crisis, Egypt is taking precautionary measures by establishing a border area with basic amenities, as disclosed by one of the sources. Three security sources, while underscoring the contingency nature of this effort, corroborated the information. The sources opted for anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter when speaking to Reuters.
Israel has announced its intent to launch an offensive targeting Hamas's "last bastion" in Rafah, where over 1 million Palestinians have sought refuge amid the devastating Gaza offensive. Israeli authorities are devising a plan to relocate civilians from Rafah to other areas within the Gaza Strip.
However, Martin Griffiths, the UN aid chief, cautioned against the idea of evacuating people from Gaza, describing it as unrealistic and an "illusion." He also warned of the potential for Palestinians to overflow into Egypt if Israel proceeds with a military operation in Rafah, characterizing this scenario as "a sort of Egyptian nightmare."
Egypt, aligning itself with wider Arab opposition, opposes the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, framing it as a rejection of a repeat of the "Nakba" or "catastrophe" from 1948 when many Palestinians were displaced during the war surrounding Israel's creation.
The first source revealed that construction of the camp began recently and would offer temporary shelter in any scenario of people crossing the frontier "until a resolution is reached." However, Egypt's State Information Service head denied the preparation for such a possibility.
The Sinai Foundation for Human Rights, an activist organization, published images suggesting construction in the area. An unidentified source claimed the construction aimed to create a secured area in case of a mass exodus of Palestinians. Reuters confirmed the location of part of the video as Rafah, using satellite imagery, but couldn't verify the entire video's location or filming date.
The situation in Rafah, where 1.5 million Palestinians, more than half of Gaza's population, are currently located, is under intense international concern. Israel cites the need to expand its assault into Rafah to eliminate Hamas, responsible for an attack on October 7 that resulted in 1,200 deaths in Israel and 250 abductions, according to Israeli reports.
With over 28,000 casualties reported in Israel's offensive in Gaza, the safety of those sheltering in Rafah is a focal point of international worry, including Israel's Western allies. President Joe Biden has advised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against a Rafah operation without a plan for the safety of those in Rafah. The U.S. does not support forced displacement and is not funding camps in Egypt for displaced Palestinians.
Netanyahu's office has instructed the army to develop an evacuation plan for Rafah, but none has been revealed yet. Netanyahu suggested that people could go to areas north of Rafah cleared by the army. Israel's Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Avi Dichter, labeled the evacuation as a military matter, expressing confidence in the Israeli army's ability to handle it.
The Gaza war has strained relations between Egypt and Israel, who signed a peace deal in 1979. Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit warned that Israeli actions could jeopardize agreements with Egypt and Jordan. However, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry affirmed Egypt's commitment to the agreement, emphasizing its 40-year maintenance as long as both sides remain dedicated to it.
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