Egypt has closed the Rafah crossing with Gaza’s southern border, a move that has been widely condemned by human rights groups and international observers. The closure, which began on October 7, is part of a series of measures taken by the Egyptian government to crack down on the smuggling of weapons and militants across the border. The Egyptian authorities claim that the closure is necessary to protect national security and prevent terrorist attacks.
However, the closure has also cut off the only lifeline for the 1.8 million Palestinians living in Gaza, who are already suffering from a 14-year-long Israeli blockade that has crippled the economy and infrastructure of the coastal enclave. The Rafah crossing is the only point of entry and exit for Gaza that is not controlled by Israel, and it is vital for the movement of people and goods, especially humanitarian aid and medical supplies. According to the United Nations, more than 80% of Gaza’s population depends on humanitarian assistance to survive.
The closure of the Rafah crossing has been met with protests and criticism from various parties, including Hamas, the de facto ruler of Gaza, which accused Egypt of “collaborating with the Israeli occupation” and “punishing the Palestinian people”. The Palestinian Authority, which has limited control over parts of the West Bank, also denounced the closure as a “collective punishment” and a “violation of international law”. The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, expressed his “deep concern” over the impact of the closure on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and urged Egypt to reopen the crossing as soon as possible.
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The closure of the Rafah crossing is not only a humanitarian crisis, but also a political one. It reflects the strained relations between Egypt and Hamas, which have deteriorated since the 2013 coup that ousted former President Mohamed Morsi, a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, an ally of Hamas. Egypt considers Hamas a terrorist organization and accuses it of supporting armed groups in Sinai, where Egypt is fighting an insurgency. Hamas denies these allegations and says it is willing to cooperate with Egypt on security issues.
The closure also undermines the prospects for reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah, the rival Palestinian factions that have been divided since 2007, when Hamas seized control of Gaza after a bloody civil war. In 2017, Egypt brokered a deal between the two parties to form a unity government and hold elections, but the agreement has stalled due to disagreements over power-sharing and security arrangements. The closure of the Rafah crossing could further widen the gap between Hamas and Fatah and jeopardize the hopes for a unified Palestinian leadership that can negotiate with Israel for a lasting peace.
The closure of the Rafah crossing is a tragic reminder of the plight of the Palestinian people, who have been living under occupation, siege and violence for decades. It is also a challenge for the international community, which has a moral and legal responsibility to protect the rights and dignity of the Palestinians and to end their suffering.
The international community should pressure Egypt to reopen the Rafah crossing without delay and ensure that it operates regularly and smoothly. The international community should also support the efforts to end the Israeli blockade of Gaza and to resume the peace talks between Israel and Palestine based on a two-state solution that respects international law and human rights.