Egypt Builds New Walled Buffer Zone along Gaza Border
Satellite images reveal that Egypt is constructing a massive buffer zone and wall along its border with southern Gaza, heightening concerns over Israel’s planned ground offensive in Rafah, where a significant portion of Gaza’s population seeks shelter. The buffer zone, which stretches from the Gaza border to the Mediterranean Sea, will ultimately encompass the Egyptian-Rafah border crossing complex. The images also show the presence of cranes installing sections of the wall. The construction, commissioned by the Egyptian armed forces, has been underway since February, with recent excavation activity intensifying and the erection of a border wall that measures five meters (16 feet) in height.
The escalation of construction comes at a time when fears are mounting over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, potentially resulting in thousands of casualties and a mass exodus of Palestinians towards the Egyptian border. Rafah, located within the newly established buffer zone, houses around 1.5 million Palestinians in crowded tent cities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed plans for a military ground offensive in Rafah, calling it Hamas’ last bastion. The Israel Defense Forces aim to evacuate civilians and differentiate them from Hamas militants but have yet to present their evacuation plan to the government.
The situation in Rafah continues to deteriorate, as families face severe shortages of food, water, and medicine while residing in tents just meters away from the barbed-wire fence separating them from Egypt. Rajaa Musleh, the Gaza representative for the nonprofit organization MedGlobal, described the dire conditions, emphasizing the lack of necessary resources and the strain on healthcare facilities. The potential military operation in Rafah prompted numerous countries and international organizations to call on Israel to refrain from launching a ground offensive, citing the catastrophic consequences it could unleash.
Egypt has already denounced Israel’s efforts to push Palestinians further into the Gaza enclave, viewing it as a plan to expel Gazans and ultimately undermine the Palestinian cause. Consequently, Egypt has bolstered its security presence along the border with Gaza, deploying more troops and machinery in the North Sinai region. The Rafah border crossing checkpoints on the Egyptian side have been reinforced, and areas surrounding the main road are being prepared to accommodate tanks and military machinery.
Israel has faced accusations of constructing its own buffer zone within Gaza, which would effectively shrink the enclave’s borders. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concern over the destruction of Gaza buildings near the Israel-Gaza fence, designated as a buffer zone by the Israel Defense Forces. Despite the mounting tensions and international appeals for restraint, the situation remains fluid and highly precarious.
In conclusion, Egypt’s construction of a walled buffer zone along its border with Gaza raises additional concerns about the already dire situation in the region. The potential Israeli military offensive in Rafah, combined with the deteriorating living conditions and limited access to resources, paints a grim picture for the Palestinians in Gaza. The international community continues to monitor developments closely and has called for a peaceful resolution to avoid further escalation and loss of life.
