One of things that puzzles me is that literally none of the articles, opinion pieces, etc. I have read points out that the Egyptians control the Rafah entry point to Gaza. Take this report at the Associated Press for example. After reading it you’d be left with the impression that the Israelis control entry into Gaza. The Egyptians are mentioned in passing:
Two Egyptian officials and a European diplomat said extensive negotiations with Israel and the U.N. to allow fuel deliveries for hospitals had yielded little progress. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to release information on the sensitive deliberations.
One Egyptian official said they were discussing the release of dual-national hostages in return for fuel, but that Israel was insisting on the release of all hostages.
That’s just about it. The reality is that all that would be necessary to allow the hundreds of trucks of supplies lined up on the Egyptian side of the border or for foreigners and/or refugees to cross into Egypt is for the Egyptians to allow it.
Egypt’s position is understandable but not particularly praiseworthy. The recognize that if Gazans flee Gaza, the Israelis win. And Hamas is affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood which is opposed to the Egyptian government.
Yes I’ve often wondered about the claim that Israel has put Gazans in an open air prison. It’s pretty difficult to imprison people by only building barricades on one side.
Israel is blockading Gaza. While the Rafah entry point into Gaza requires the approval of Egypt and Hamas, Israel has been bombing in the area, so it also requires Israeli approval. Aid could also come in directly from Israel.
“…so it also requires Israeli approval.”
Arrent nonsense. The Egyptians have been the primary reason for restricting Palestinian movement for years. For obvious reasons.
To conflate current actions to cripple Hamas with years and years of policy is just raw dishonesty on display.
But thank you for showing your moral compass.
Drew: Arrent nonsense.
Israel could allow aid to flow through its own border with Gaza. But it doesn’t. Aid trucks can’t move into a combat zone. It requires Israel’s assent to set up safe passage.
Israel and Egypt have better relations with each other than with Gaza. Egypt has very actively helped enforce the blockade.
Steve