Egypt: Israeli presence in Rafah crossing, Philadelphi corridor aims to hinder Palestinian authority's Gaza return

CAIRO – 13 September 2024: Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has restated Egypt's rejection to the Israeli military presence in the Philadelphi Corridor and the Palestinian section of the Rafah crossing, labeling this presence as having "political objectives."

During a ministerial meeting focused on the Palestinian cause and the two-state solution hosted by Madrid, Spain, Abdelatty emphasized that Israel's positioning in these areas is designed to obstruct the legitimate return of the Palestinian authority to Gaza.

He condemned these actions as efforts to sabotage the mediation endeavors led by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States aimed at achieving a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange agreement.

Furthermore, Abdelatty highlighted that this Israeli presence has resulted in a slowdown in the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

He underscored Israel's use of hunger as a weapon against Palestinians while refusing to fully operate its crossings with Gaza to facilitate aid delivery in accordance with its legal obligations as an occupying force.

Rafah, Philadelphi takeover

Since May, Israel has taken control of the Palestinian part of the Rafah crossing, leading to the obstruction of the main point for aid distribution, along with the Philadelphi Corridor, a buffer zone on the Egypt-Gaza border.

Senior Egyptian sources have consistently expressed opposition to Israel's control of these regions. Nevertheless, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has remained steadfast in maintaining Israeli presence in the corridor to prevent alleged weapon smuggling.

Netanyahu's unwavering stance regarding the Philadelphi Corridor has impeded a ceasefire agreement, a move that has been urged by the international community and by families of captives detained in Gaza since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.

Continued pressure

Recent days have witnessed increasing widespread protests in Israeli cities, particularly following the deaths of six captives, including an American, in Gaza.

Protesters and families of captives have demanded a prisoner release agreement before it is too late for their loved ones.

Hamas has reiterated its willingness to accept a ceasefire agreement that would stop the Israeli war, enable the return of displaced Gazans to their homes, ensure the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and enhance aid distribution efforts.

Egypt, the United States, and Qatar have escalated their mediation efforts to bridge the gaps between Hamas and Israel, with Cairo and Doha hosting rounds of indirect ceasefire negotiations between the two parties.

While no breakthrough in negotiations has been reported thus far, the three nations continue to exert pressure on both sides to accept an agreement based on the principles outlined by US President Joe Biden in late May.

Two-state solution advocacy

During the Madrid meeting, Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s commitment to engaging with all international parties to implement the two-state solution, which envisions the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the borders of June 4, 1967.

He stressed that recognizing the Palestinian state and granting it full United Nations membership are rights of the Palestinian people and responsibilities of the international community.

The Egyptian foreign minister expressed gratitude towards Spain, Norway, Ireland, and Slovenia for their recent recognition of the Palestinian state, which effectively defends the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination.

Abdelatty underscored the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza and Israel's daily violations of international humanitarian law, particularly in its targeting of civilians.

Madrid meeting

The Madrid meeting brought together ministers from Muslim and European nations, along with members of the Ministerial Committee appointed by the Joint Arab-Islamic Summit on Gaza.

Additionally, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez convened a session for foreign ministers of countries participating in the Madrid discussions. In this meeting, Abdelatty emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid.

He also called for the Israeli withdrawal from the Palestinian section of the Rafah crossing and the Philadelphi Corridor.

Abdelatty urged immediate actions to fulfill the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people and establish an independent Palestinian state.