Cairo remains vigilant regarding potential maneuvers by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to obstruct the reopening of the Rafah crossing, a crucial lifeline for the Gaza Strip. According to Egyptian military expert General Samir Faraj, Netanyahu is deliberately hindering any progress towards a genuine de-escalation in Gaza, particularly concerning the bidirectional operation of the Rafah border crossing.
General Faraj, former head of Moral Affairs for the Egyptian Armed Forces, asserts that this obstruction stems from Netanyahu’s internal political calculations. He suggests that the Israeli leader is reluctant to end the conflict due to ongoing corruption charges, a desire to maintain the perception of safeguarding Israeli security, and the impending elections, all incentivizing him to prolong the escalation and employ delaying tactics.
The military expert contends that the initial phase of the proposed agreement, involving the release of hostages, has effectively concluded. With the exception of one remaining body, the handover of all hostages eliminates Netanyahu’s previous justifications for impeding the agreement’s implementation and advancing to the subsequent stage.
General Faraj further alleges that Netanyahu has shifted to creating a new crisis centered around the Rafah crossing, which has become the primary conduit for humanitarian aid into Gaza amidst what he describes as the worst humanitarian conditions in modern history. He highlights that Israel’s proposal to open the crossing in only one direction was met with firm rejection from Egypt, as it constitutes a form of forced displacement for Palestinians from the Strip.
During recent discussions with the United States, Egypt emphasized the necessity of opening the Rafah crossing in both directions, adhering to the 2005 Crossing Agreement between Egypt, Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and the European Union, which stipulates Palestinian management of the crossing under European supervision.
General Faraj revealed that Israel is attempting to circumvent this agreement by proposing an alternative crossing, dubbed “Rafah 2,” near Kerem Shalom. He believes this proposal aims to bypass the legal obligations outlined in the 2005 agreement. Cairo has reportedly rejected this proposal outright, insisting that the original Rafah crossing remains the primary point of entry.
