Egypt’s Stance on Gaza: Egypt and Israel have been at odds regarding Gaza and the establishment of safe corridors for civilians. Egypt has closed the Rafah border crossing after Israel’s bombardment of Gaza. While discussions with the United States and others have revolved around providing humanitarian aid through Egypt’s border with Gaza, Egypt firmly rejects the idea of creating safe corridors for refugees.
Gaza, a densely populated area, has been under blockade since 2007 when Hamas took control. Egypt has historically restricted the flow of Gaza Palestinians onto its territory, even during intense conflicts. Cairo, acting as a mediator between Israel and the Palestinians, consistently emphasizes that conflicts should be resolved within their borders, believing this is the only path for Palestinians to secure their right to statehood.
US officials, including National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have been in consultations with Israel and Egypt about the concept of safe passages for Gaza civilians. However, Egypt opposes this idea to protect what it sees as the Palestinians’ right to their cause and land.
The right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes has been a contentious issue. Israel has consistently rejected this demand, while the Palestinians and many Arab states insist on it as part of any final peace agreement.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for the immediate and unimpeded delivery of life-saving supplies, such as fuel, food, and water, into Gaza. Egypt has been actively involved in efforts to manage the situation, intensifying its efforts to contain the crisis in Gaza.
Discussions between Egypt, the US, Qatar, and Turkey have explored the idea of delivering humanitarian aid through the Rafah border crossing, given certain geographical limitations and a ceasefire. While Turkey’s president has mentioned that work on delivering aid has begun, the Rafah crossing, the main exit from Gaza not controlled by Israel, was closed due to Israeli bombardments.
Egypt’s Stance on Gaza has expressed concerns that Israel’s actions in Gaza might lead to the displacement of Gaza residents onto Egyptian territory, but Israel’s ambassador in Egypt has stated that there are no intentions related to Sinai, and Palestinians have not been asked to move there. Egypt has shown its commitment to providing humanitarian aid through the Rafah crossing but has also stressed the importance of stability and the prevention of further hardship and refugee flows, including towards Europe. Source thedailycouriertng news