Failure to Open Rafah Border Crossing
The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza has continued to escalate at a rapid rate, with thousands killed, internally and externally displaced, injured, and left for dead. The country of Palestine is being eradicated at a constant rate by the Israeli defense forces and the Israeli government. The ongoing genocide has led to the multiple humanitarian crises. Specifically, caused by the failure and lack of opening the Rafah border by Egypt. The Rafah border closure has exacerbated the already current dire situation in the Gaza Strip and Palestinian regions, leading to the increasing suffering of Palestinians. Despite the calls from millions of people protesting across the world, and calls from several international organizations, Egypt has failed to open the Rafah border, limiting the movement of aid, food trucks, and people in and out of the Gaza Strip.
Open Border-Humanitarian Crisis in dire need of aid
The failure to open the Rafah border has had several consequential effects on the people of Gaza and Palestinians. However, there are distinct sides as to why the border has not been opened. The aspect of the dire need for humanitarian aid and medical assistance has been the most pressing factor as to why the border should be opened. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has been exacerbated by the closure of the Rafah border, which has limited access to essential goods and services for the population. The lack of access to medical supplies, food, and other necessities has led to a deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, , with dire consequences for the health and well-being of the people living there.
“Egypt has expressed mounting frustration with Israel’s seizure of the Palestinian side of the crossing last week, saying it threatens the two countries’ decades-old peace treaty. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said Israel ‘is responsible for the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. “He said Israel’s incursion into Rafah was the main reason aid cannot enter through the crossing and called for Israel to allow more aid through its own crossings. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said Tuesday that there was a ‘need to persuade Egypt to reopen the Rafah crossing to allow the continued delivery of international humanitarian aid to Gaza. The world places the responsibility for the humanitarian situation on Israel, but the key to preventing a humanitarian crisis in Gaza is now in the hands of our Egyptian friends.” Egypt’s failure to open the border has only worsened this crisis, and it is incumbent upon the international community to hold Egypt accountable for its role in perpetuating the suffering of Palestinians.
Close border- Security Concerns Due to Rising Political Tensions
Focusing on the economic and political consequences of opening the border, Egypt has voiced concern about several measures. The country of Israel and Egypt signed a peace treaty in 1979, following the Camp David Accords. Such a treaty established a framework for historic peace among the two nations. However, the recent relations between Egypt and Israel have intensified as Israel has prepared to launch full-scale ground and aerial offense into Rafah, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. The Egyptian president has warned that such actions will put their peace treaty at risk, and further destabilize an already unstable area. Egypt has stated the fear that a sweeping assault on Rafah will force millions of currently displaced Palestinians to storm the border and cross into the Sinai Peninsula. If Israel goes ahead with its planned incursion, Egypt will most certainly come under immense internal and external pressure to open the Rafah border crossing and allow a mass influx of refugees into Sinai. This has long-term implications for the country. Egypt has cited security concerns as the primary concern for keeping the border shut and has expressed the concern of potential violence and further instability.
The country of Israel and Egypt signed a peace treaty in 1979, following the Camp David Accords. Such a treaty established a framework for historic peace among the two nations. However, the recent relations between Egypt and Israel have intensified as Israel has prepared to launch full-scale ground and aerial offense into Rafah, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. The Egyptian president has warned that such actions will put their peace treaty at risk, and further destabilize an already unstable area. Egypt has stated the fear that a sweeping assault on Rafah will force millions of currently displaced Palestinians to storm the border and cross into the Sinai Peninsula. If Israel goes ahead with its planned incursion, Egypt will most certainly come under immense internal and external pressure to open the Rafah border crossing and allow a mass influx of refugees into Sinai. This has long-term implications for the country. Egypt has cited security concerns as the primary concern for keeping the border shut and has expressed the concern of potential violence and further instability.
Egypt has voiced concern about the increasing uprising of terrorist organizations and rebel groups forming in an already corrupt and rebel-bound country. By opening the border, the fear of Hamas soldiers and rebel groups infiltrating has put Egypt on edge. Egypt has already faced several consequential impacts of corruption, poverty, military presence, and the presence of terrorist organizations. The economic consequences of corruption and instability in Egypt are significant.
Corruption and Instability
Corruption and instability in Egypt have had far-reaching consequences that have deeply affected the country’s economy, political system, and social fabric. The pervasive nature of corruption in the country has led to a lack of trust in government institutions and officials, as well as a lack of accountability for those in power. This has undermined the rule of law and hindered economic growth, as resources are siphoned off for personal gain rather than being used for the benefit of the population. The resulting instability has further exacerbated these problems, leading to a cycle of corruption and conflict that threatens the country’s future.
Corruption leads to inefficiency and waste, as resources are diverted for personal gain rather than being used for productive investment. This can hinder economic growth and development, as businesses are forced to navigate a complex web of bribes and kickbacks to operate. The resulting lack of transparency and accountability can also deter foreign investment, as investors are wary of the risks associated with doing business in a corrupt environment.
Response Needed
Although the country of Egypt has expressed concerns about opening the Rafah border concerning matters of national security, political relations with Israel, corruption, and fear of infiltration, the continuation of the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians has become far more pressing and urgent, requiring an immediate and dire response. The country of Egypt must come to terms and an agreement to open the Rafah border to allow humanitarian aid trucks, food aid, and medical aid to reach the Gaza Strip and Palestinian regions, as well as allow for Palestinians and refugees to flee.