Egypt Builds Wall Ahead of Planned Israeli Offensive

Egypt Prepares for Israeli Offensive with Border Wall Construction

Egypt Takes Preemptive Measures

Satellite images analyzed by The Associated Press reveal that Egypt is constructing a wall and leveling land near its border with the Gaza Strip in preparation for a planned Israeli offensive targeting the border city of Rafah. While Egypt has not publicly acknowledged the construction, the preparations suggest that Cairo is getting ready for a potential scenario where over 1 million Palestinians are forcibly expelled into Egyptian territory.

Implications on the Peace Deal

Egypt’s actions could potentially threaten its 1979 peace deal with Israel, which has been crucial for regional security. The Egyptian government has not responded to requests for comment regarding the construction. However, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry previously warned Israel about the possible offensive and the displacement of the Palestinian people.

Construction Details

The satellite images, taken by Maxar Technologies, show ongoing construction of a wall along the Sheikh Zuweid-Rafah Road, located 3.5 kilometers (2 miles) west of the Gaza border. The images depict cranes, trucks, and precast concrete barriers being set up along the road. The London-based Sinai Foundation for Human Rights also released a video showing concrete walls being lifted into place along the road.

Preparing for a Mass Exodus

The construction is intended to create a high-security gated and isolated area near the Gaza border, in anticipation of a potential mass exodus. Nearby, construction crews are also leveling and clearing the ground for an unknown purpose. The Wall Street Journal reported that an 8-square-mile walled enclosure is being built, capable of accommodating over 100,000 people.

Background Context

In the past, homes and farmland in the area were destroyed during Egypt’s war on an affiliate of the Islamic State group. Some officials within Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government have floated the idea of pushing Palestinians out of the Gaza Strip, a proposition strongly opposed by the United States, Israel’s main ally. The Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank are territories that Palestinians hope to have for their future state.

Israel’s Response

The Israeli military referred questions about Egypt’s construction to Netanyahu’s office, which did not provide a response. A report by Israel’s Intelligence Ministry proposed the relocation of Gaza’s civilian population to tent cities in the northern Sinai following an attack by Hamas. The ongoing Israel-Hamas war has resulted in significant destruction and a high death toll, with the majority of casualties being women and children.

Read More of this Story at apnews.com – 2024-02-16 11:57:00

Egypt Constructs Wall near Gaza Strip as Israeli Attack on Rafah Approaches