Why Egypt Doesn't Allow Gazans in Need to Cross its Border
Around 85% of Gaza's 2.3 million people have been internally displaced since the start of the war, wedged into a small corner of the earth with no place to go.
But there is Egypt, which shares a 7.5-mile border with Gaza - the only other country hemming the parcel of land, in addition to Israel. However, except for few and far between medical cases, Cairo continues to resist pressure to allow Palestinians haven.
So, why the long-running restriction, even in a time of intense war?
One of the primary reasons for Egypt's restrictive policy is security. The Sinai Peninsula, which borders Gaza, has been a hotspot for terrorist activities and militant groups, including affiliates of ISIS. The Egyptian government fears that allowing unrestricted access from Gaza could exacerbate these security challenges by enabling militants to infiltrate Egypt. Historically, Gaza has been viewed as a potential source of instability due to the presence of various armed factions, including Hamas and other militant groups. By tightly controlling the border, Egypt aims to prevent the flow of weapons, militants, and illicit goods that could fuel violence in the Sinai region and beyond. Then there is the political dynamics.
Egypt's relationship with Hamas, the de facto governing authority in Gaza, is another significant factor. Hamas, an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood, is viewed with suspicion by the Egyptian government, especially since the ousting of the Muslim Brotherhood-led government in Egypt in 2013. The current administration under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has taken a hardline stance against Islamist groups, perceiving them as a threat to national stability. As a result, Egypt's policy towards Gaza is partly driven by a desire to weaken Hamas and limit its influence.
Further, Egypt's policy towards Gaza is influenced by its relationships with other regional and international players, notably Israel and the United States. Egypt has a longstanding peace treaty with Israel and cooperates closely with it on security issues, particularly concerning Gaza. (Although this may be in jeopardy). By maintaining strict control over the Rafah crossing, Egypt aligns itself with Israeli interests in containing Hamas and limiting its capacity to wage attacks. Additionally, the United States, a key ally and financial supporter of Egypt, also supports measures to curb the influence of Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza. This geopolitical calculus reinforces Egypt's restrictive stance.
And while security and political factors are paramount, the humanitarian situation in Gaza adds another layer of complexity. The Gaza Strip faces dire humanitarian conditions, exacerbated by repeated conflicts, an Israeli blockade, and internal governance challenges. Many Gazans seek to cross into Egypt for medical treatment and education and to escape the harsh living conditions of life in war. However, Egypt's focus on national security often results in stringent entry restrictions, leading to a humanitarian dilemma. While Egypt occasionally opens the Rafah crossing for limited periods to allow the passage of aid and specific individuals, these openings are sporadic and insufficient to meet the needs of the Gazan population.
Egypt has also positioned itself as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, leveraging its control over the Rafah crossing as a diplomatic tool. By maintaining a restrictive policy, Egypt can exert pressure on both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority to engage in peace talks and concessions. Moreover, Gaza's stability is closely tied to broader regional stability, and Egypt's cautious approach reflects a desire to manage and mitigate potential spillover effects.
Moreover, Egypt - in addition to many other countries in the region - insists that Palestinians should not be uprooted from their homes; thus, allowing them to flee to another country would only exacerbate the underlying problem. They argue that the fighting must stop, as pushing people out is not a solution.
In short, Egypt's decision to restrict Gazans' entry is driven by an interplay of security, political, and regional factors. Despite the humanitarian impact of these policies, Egypt remains firm in its stance, balancing the immediate needs of Gazans against the perceived long-term security and political interests of its own nation.
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