Vantage | Egypt's complex role in the Gaza conflict: A closer look

As the conflict and chaos in the Gaza Strip continue to escalate, it’s crucial to turn our focus to a country that holds a unique position and potential to bring peace to the region – Egypt. Over the decades, Egypt has played a multifaceted role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. From being one of Israel’s one-time attackers to serving as the ideological parent of Hamas through its connection with the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt’s historical involvement in the region is undeniable. However, Egypt has also made efforts to promote peace and mediation in the region.

Today, Egypt finds itself in yet another role, one that some might find controversial – that of a gatekeeper, controlling the movement of people and humanitarian aid into and out of the Gaza Strip. In Egypt’s current role in the Gaza conflict, there are challenges and the historical context that shapes its decisions. The Gaza dilemma Amid the ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip, Egyptians have the option to escape the war by crossing into Egypt. However, the Egyptian government has chosen to keep the doors closed, raising concerns about the fate of Gazans and the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the region. Egypt finds itself at the center of discussions regarding aid delivery from around the world and the crucial point of access is the Rafah border crossing. Rafah Crossing: A vital gateway The Rafah Crossing, the main border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, has become the focal point for the movement of aid into Gaza. Multiple aid convoys have been stationed at Rafah for days awaiting permission to enter the Gaza Strip. This crucial checkpoint holds the key to providing essential aid to the war-torn region. North Sinai-based NGO worker Reem Ali says, “We are here with the National Alliance for Development Action to offer help alongside the trucks carrying aid and the convoy will transport this aid to our Palestinian brothers. We are currently at Rafah border crossing, and we are waiting for the aid to enter to our brothers.” People on both sides of the border are affected by Egypt’s policies. Those on the Gaza side of Rafah border crossing have been pleading with Egypt to open its doors and allow them to seek refuge from the ongoing violence. The situation is dire and the people’s pleas for compassion are heart-wrenching. Despite their desperation, Egypt remains firm in its decision to keep the crossing closed. Egypt’s perspective Egypt justifies its position by highlighting two key arguments. First, it claims that it cannot afford to accommodate an influx of Palestinian refugees. Second, it argues that allowing Gazans to leave their homeland would undermine the Palestinian cause as they may never be allowed to return. While there is some validity to these points, many view Egypt’s stance as a relinquishing of its historical responsibility given its deep ties with Palestine. To understand Egypt’s complex role in the Gaza conflict, it’s essential to look back at its historical connections. Hamas, which emerged from a charitable organisation working in the Gaza Strip, was closely associated with the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt. One of Hamas’ founders, Ahmed Yassin, played a significant role in setting up the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood and even attended Cairo’s Al-Azhar University. The ties between Hamas and Egypt are deeply rooted, just as Egypt’s connections with Gaza date back to its rule over the territory from 1949 to 1967. Changing dynamics Egypt’s stance took a significant turn during the presidency of Anwar Sadat. In 1973, Sadat initiated the Yom Kippur War against Israel, marking a significant shift in Egypt’s relations with its neighbour. Five years later, he signed the Camp David Accords leading to the first-ever peace treaty between an Arab nation and Israel in 1979. This change in direction ultimately contributed to Sadat’s assassination but solidified Egypt’s role as a mediator and peacemaker in the region. Given this history, Egypt should be at the forefront of discussions related to the Gaza conflict. However, the current Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi faces domestic concerns including an upcoming presidential election. This has led to a focus on his re-election, potentially overshadowing the immediate needs of the people in Gaza. Nevertheless, Egypt’s deep-rooted ties with the Palestinian people and its historical role as a protector of Gaza should not be ignored. As the Gaza conflict unfolds, Egypt’s complex role demands scrutiny. The nation’s historical connections with the region and its current policy of keeping the Rafah Crossing closed present a perplexing dilemma. While Egypt’s concerns about refugees and the Palestinian cause are valid, its current position raises questions about its commitment to the people of Gaza. The sympathy for Palestine in the Arab world and the urgency of the situation in Gaza call for a reassessment of Egypt’s approach. Egypt’s unique position and historical ties should ideally place it at the forefront of efforts to bring relief to the people of Gaza and foster peace in the region. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .