Border Crossing Dilemma
Thousands of Gazans have congregated at the Egyptian border crossing of Rafah as diplomatic efforts to reopen the area persist in anticipation of Israel’s ground operation.
United Nations’ Stalled Negotiations
However, the United Nations reported that negotiations regarding the reopening of the border had made no progress.
Israel is criticized by Cairo for “not cooperating.”
As Israel maintains its airstrikes in retaliation for the October 7th attack by Hamas, all exit routes from Gaza remain sealed.
On Monday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made his second visit to Israel in less than a week.
He returned to the country after touring six Arab states in the region with the intention of advocating for the reopening of the border crossing so that humanitarian assistance could enter and foreign passport holders could be evacuated.
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Diplomatic Efforts and International Collaboration
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly of the United Kingdom and Mr. Blinken confirmed that they were collaborating with Egypt, Israel, and “other leading political voices in the region” in an effort to reopen the border.
Humanitarian Crisis and Siege
The Israeli military imposed a blockade on Gaza and severed its water, food, and fuel supplies the week prior to launching a series of airstrikes in retaliation for Hamas’ deadly assault on Israel, which resulted in militant raids on communities, the abduction of civilians and soldiers, and the deaths of over 1,400 individuals.
Thousands of civilians flocked to the Rafah crossing on Monday morning in anticipation of a temporary reopening of the crossing during a brief armistice that day.
Israel and Hamas both expeditiously refuted any notion that such an accord had been reached.
A building situated on the Palestinian side of the crossing, in addition to the road, had been severely damaged in the vicinity of the crossing due to an airstrike.
Israel has struck three times near Rafah since starting its air war against Gaza.
The crossing is the only way out of Gaza due to Israel’s embargo of other entrance crossings.
Dozens of gasoline and assistance trucks wait to enter Gaza from Egypt as the humanitarian crisis worsens.
Israel maintains that the siege will continue until Hamas liberates the detainees it captured on October 7. The Israelis have increased their estimate of the number of individuals being detained in Gaza from 155 to 199.
Since the Hamas assault, approximately 2,750 people have perished in Gaza, and over one million have been displaced.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry stated on Monday morning, “There is an urgent need to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza,” adding that negotiations with Israel had been fruitless.
Cairo has been concentrating on delivering humanitarian assistance to Gaza’s civilians. Mr. Shoukry stated that Egypt might permit medical evacuations and admit certain Gazans who had written permission to travel.
The US and UK have instructed citizens to approach the Rafah crossing in anticipation of its reopening.
Fear of Palestinian Displacement
Egypt is aware that reopening the Rafah border would permit humanitarian aid to enter and foreign passport holders to exit. But it is terrified of a massive influx of Palestinian refugees escaping the conflict.
This, according to Egypt and other Arab states, is unacceptable because it would equate to Palestinian expulsion from their homeland.
