According to reports, Egypt is currently setting up an area at Gaza’s border that could act as a safe haven in case of mass exodus from Gaza, sources told Reuters. This shelter would likely consist of concrete walls around its perimeter.
An activist group, Sinai Foundation for Human Rights, released photos showing what appeared to be trucks and cranes at the site. Reuters was able to confirm their position through satellite imagery.
Israel’s Operation In Rafah Could Displace Millions Of Palestinians
Egypt has been setting up camps near its border with Gaza in response to Israel’s massive airstrike campaign in Rafah, housing residents displaced by an Israeli ground operation. Human rights group Sinai Foundation for Human Rights shared images showing trucks and cranes working on an eight square mile area fenced off from Gaza; The New York Times verified some footage and satellite images that suggested concrete barriers were being put up as proof.
Egypt fears an influx of Palestinians would destabilize northern Sinai, where its military has spent over a decade combatting an Islamist insurgency. Additionally, they oppose any displacement on political grounds; President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi has described such action as contributing to “the liquidation of the Palestinian cause.”
Egypt hopes talks to secure a ceasefire will prevent mass exodus from Gaza, yet has prepared an area in the desert with basic facilities in case they don’t. Sources have provided their names as this issue remains sensitive.
Egypt Is Taking Precautionary Measures
Egypt is taking steps to ward off any further displacement of Palestinians out of Gaza, amid concerns that Israel’s operation in Rafah could prompt an exodus across its border, according to Reuters. Cairo hopes ceasefire talks can prevent such an exodus; such a plan raises security issues in Egypt due to ongoing tensions in Sinai Peninsula.
CNN reviewed satellite images and video footage showing bulldozers and construction trucks at the site near Gaza’s only crossing not controlled by Israel, near where construction work reportedly started three or four days ago and will reportedly accommodate thousands of people, according to sources cited by Sinai Foundation for Human Rights. Satellite images revealed bulldozers moving dirt near bulldozers while video footage captured bulldozers as they moved material around. The construction will provide shelter to thousands, according to their sources.
U.S. Opposes Any Displacement Of Palestinians
Harris issued a statement condemning any displacement of Palestinians from Gaza by Israel and called on it to pursue its legitimate military objectives without harming innocent civilians. She reiterated the administration’s call for an end to Hamas violence.
Three security sources reported on Tuesday that Egypt is creating a desert area near Gaza’s border that can house up to 100,000 Palestinian refugees displaced by violence, should it become necessary. Wall Street Journal and Washington Post reporters obtained satellite images that match features seen in video from London-based Sinai Foundation for Human Rights released Monday, with which satellite images correspond.
Congress members, led by Representatives Ayanna Pressley and Jamie Raskin, sent a letter to Secretary of State Anthony Blinken urging his administration to clearly express its strong opposition to any forced transfer of Palestinians out of Gaza, making public statements addressing this matter.
Egypt’s Rafah Operation Could Destroy The Philadelphi Corridor
The Philadelphi Corridor is vital to Egypt, Israel and Gaza due to its role as a conduit through which Hamas receives arms. According to Kobi Michael of Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies and Misgav Institute. A significant portion of Hamas weapons come through this corridor while most smuggling occurs through Egypt.
Israel’s proposal to occupy the area has provoked Cairo, who see it as a violation of a security protocol attached to their 2005 peace accord between nations. Under this protocol, Egypt commits 750 soldiers to protecting borders against infiltration, terrorist activities and smuggling activities.
Egypt maintains that any Israeli incursion into its border corridor could force Palestinians from their homes and violate both treaty obligations and parallel the 1948 Nakba, when 700,000 Palestinians were forcibly uprooted during Israel’s creation war. On the other hand, however, Egypt fears losing control over its border with Gaza – something it claims would weaken it among its population.
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