Egypt Establishing Area at Gaza Border for Palestinian Shelter – Sources

Egypt Prepares for Potential Influx of Palestinians Amid Gaza Conflict

Egypt is reportedly readying a designated area along the Gaza border to accommodate Palestinians who may flee into Sinai should an Israeli military operation in Rafah trigger a mass exodus, according to four sources familiar with the matter. This preparation has been characterized as a precautionary measure by Cairo, although Egyptian officials have denied any such plans.

Cairo has consistently voiced concerns regarding the potential for increased Palestinian displacement into Sinai as a result of Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza, a scenario it deems wholly unacceptable. This sentiment is shared by other Arab nations, including Jordan.

The United States has reiterated its opposition to any displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. An optimistic note from one source indicated that Egypt believes negotiations for a ceasefire could avert the need for such measures, though authorities are still moving forward with preparations for the border area as a temporary solution.

According to three security sources, initial preparations have begun in a desert region where basic facilities could be established to shelter Palestinians. These steps were emphasized as contingency measures.

With over a million Palestinians currently seeking refuge in Rafah amidst the ongoing conflict, Israel has announced intentions to target what it describes as Hamas’s final stronghold in the area. The Israeli military is reportedly creating plans to facilitate civilian evacuations within Gaza itself.

However, U.N. aid chief Martin Griffiths cautioned that it is unrealistic to expect safe evacuation routes for those in Gaza. He expressed concerns about the real possibility of Palestinians spilling into Egypt if military action escalates in Rafah, labeling this scenario a "nightmare" for Egypt.

Cairo’s opposition to any displacement draws on historical sensitivities surrounding the "Nakba" in 1948, when approximately 700,000 Palestinians fled or were forcibly removed from their homes during the establishment of Israel.

Construction for a temporary shelter area reportedly began several days ago, with the intention of providing refuge for any individuals crossing the border "until a resolution is reached." In response to inquiries regarding these preparations, an official from Egypt’s State Information Service stated that such claims are unfounded.

Images recently released by an activist organization suggested that construction activities, including the deployment of machinery and concrete barriers, are indeed taking place. While some reports have been partially verified by comparing footage to satellite imagery, comprehensive affirmation of the specifics remains elusive.

Approximately 1.5 million Palestinians are currently concentrated in Rafah, which constitutes more than half of Gaza’s total population, according to estimates from the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees. The backdrop of Israel’s military campaign, which has already resulted in substantial civilian casualties, has intensified global scrutiny, prompting concerns from allies about the safety of those sheltering in Rafah. U.S. President Joe Biden has cautioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against proceeding without a thorough safety plan for civilians in the area.

While there is an official acknowledgment from Netanyahu’s office that a plan is in development for evacuating Rafah, no concrete plans have been publicly disclosed. Discussions are underway regarding possible relocation options for civilians within areas deemed safe by Israeli forces.

The situation has added strain to the already delicate relationship between Egypt and Israel, which has historically been defined by a peace treaty established in 1979. Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit has raised alarms about the implications of Israeli military actions for the continuity of peace agreements with both Egypt and Jordan.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to the peace treaty, emphasizing that it would persist as long as both parties maintain their commitments to it.