이스라엘-하마스분쟁(The Egyptian reaction to the current Palestinian-…
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The Egyptian reaction to the current Palestinian-Israeli
Mona Farouk M. Ahmed(Institute for Mediterranean Studies)
has historically held a pivotal position in the complex and long-standing Palestinian-Israeli relationship, actively participating in three key conflicts - the wars of 1948, 1967, and 1973. These engagements have shaped Egypt's role in the broader Middle East landscape.
In the recent wave of Hamas attacks on Israel, some observers draw parallels to the Egyptian offensive during the 6th of October war. This historical reference underscores Egypt's enduring significance in the region's geopolitical dynamics and its role as a key player in pivotal moments of conflict.
The Sinai Peninsula in Egypt has a border that it shares with both the Gaza Strip and Israel, and in the past, Cairo has played a role as a mediator between Israel and Palestinian factions during conflicts. According to sources in Egyptian security, approximately 7,000 Israeli tourists have returned to Israel from Sinai since the onset of the recent conflict. Additionally, the Red Crescent has provided medical assistance to Gaza from Sinai by using the Rafah crossing.
Speaking about the Sinai Peninsula, concerns have arisen regarding the security of the region's borders due to the ongoing conflict. Sooner after the current war arose, Israeli airstrikes targeted the area near the Rafah border crossing, which connects the Gaza Strip to Egypt, as reported by Palestinian officials and Egyptian security sources. This raises worries about the potential disruption of activities at the Rafah crossing, which is the primary formal point of exit on Gaza's southern border. There are also heightened fears and concerns about Israel's alleged intention to relocate Gaza residents to the Sinai Peninsula, a move that Egypt strongly opposes.
However, Egypt currently finds itself in a delicate and complex situation. On one hand, it was the first Arab nation to normalize its relations with Israel, marking a significant shift in regional diplomacy. This normalization entails formal diplomatic relations and cooperation on various fronts, including security and economic matters. On the other hand, Egypt has consistently condemned the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and expressed strong disapproval of the treatment of Palestinians, particularly in the face of longstanding disputes and human rights concerns.
This dual stance reflects the complexity of Egypt's foreign policy, attempting to balance the pursuit of its national interests, regional stability, and peace, while also addressing the Palestinian cause, a deeply rooted and emotional issue for many in the Arab and Muslim world. Moreover, the current conflict in Israel triggers a complex response from both the Egyptian government and the Egyptian people, highlighting a divergence in their perspectives and approaches. The government, aiming to maintain regional stability, protect national interests, and build economic ties, has recently normalized relations with Israel and played a role as a mediator in Palestinian-Israeli negotiations. In contrast, many Egyptian citizens, deeply connected to the Palestinian cause through shared Arab and Muslim identity, express solidarity with Palestinians and criticize Israeli policies. This difference between the government's diplomatic considerations and the people's cultural and emotional ties adds nuance to Egypt's role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, reflecting the complicated dynamics at play.
