Egyptian authorities have refuted claims of constructing shelters for Palestinians in the Sinai Peninsula bordering Gaza. This follows reports suggesting such preparations in anticipation of a potential Israeli incursion into Rafah.
Diaa Rashwan, head of Egypt’s State Information Service, categorically denied the existence of plans to build shelters for displaced Palestinians. He emphasized Egypt’s firm stance against “any forced or voluntary displacement of Palestinian brothers from the Gaza Strip,” citing concerns over jeopardizing the Palestinian cause.
However, Rashwan acknowledged the pre-existing presence of “a buffer zone and fences” in the region, established long before the current crisis. He described these measures as essential for maintaining border security.
These denials come in response to a Wall Street Journal report alleging Egypt’s development of a walled enclosure near Gaza, capable of housing over 100,000 refugees. This followed news of an Israeli army plan approved for attacking Rafah, a town straddling the Gaza-Egypt border and home to roughly 1.5 million Palestinians.
The potential for mass displacement arises from the ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza, triggered by a Hamas attack in October. The ensuing conflict has claimed thousands of lives, injured tens of thousands, and caused widespread devastation in Gaza. The United Nations estimates 85% of the population internally displaced and facing critical shortages of basic necessities, with 60% of the enclave’s infrastructure damaged or destroyed.
Amidst these dire circumstances, Israel faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice. An interim ruling in January mandated Tel Aviv to cease genocidal acts and ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza’s civilians.
While Egypt asserts its opposition to Palestinian displacement, the situation remains fraught with tension and humanitarian concerns. Whether the reported Israeli attack on Rafah materializes and triggers a mass exodus into Sinai remains to be seen.
