Egypt has rejected the idea of creating safe corridors for Gaza refugees, according to Egyptian security sources cited by Reuters. However, the country has discussed the possibility of providing humanitarian aid to Gaza with the United States and other countries. Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the US have explored the option of sending aid through the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula during a limited ceasefire.
The Egyptian officials told Reuters that opening safe corridors for civilians fleeing Gaza would jeopardize the rights of Palestinians to hold onto their cause and their land. Egypt has historically restricted the flow of Gazans into its territory, even during intense conflicts.
Egypt has often played a crucial role in mediating the conflict between Israel and Palestine. On Tuesday, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi expressed his hopes for a negotiated solution that would lead to a just peace and the establishment of a Palestinian state. He emphasized that Egypt would not permit the conflict to remain unresolved.
For many Gazans, the Rafah border crossing is their only exit from the enclave, as the rest of Gaza is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea and Israel, which has implemented a complete blockade of the strip.
According to Reuters sources, the Rafah crossing was closed on Wednesday morning after Egyptian warplanes conducted patrols in the area overnight. Additionally, Al Jazeera reported that Israeli airstrikes struck the Rafah border three times in 24 hours on the same day.
The recent escalation in the conflict began on Saturday when Hamas, a Palestinian militant group controlling much of the Gaza Strip, initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood by launching rockets and sending commandos deep into Israeli territory. In response, the Israel Defense Forces conducted airstrikes on Gaza and cut off water and electricity to the densely populated enclave.
While Egypt opposes the creation of safe corridors for Gaza refugees, discussions have taken place regarding humanitarian aid for the Palestinian enclave. The focus remains on finding a negotiated solution that will lead to a just and lasting peace, as well as the establishment of a Palestinian state. Egypt continues to engage in diplomatic efforts to help resolve the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
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