Israel attacks the only border crossing outside the Gaza Strip
Israel attacked on Tuesday (10) the only border crossing from the Gaza Strip in Rafah, which borders northern Egypt. According to the government, Brazil planned to use the withdrawal to drive Brazilians out of the region.
The Israelis blocked the borders with Gaza after starting a conflict with the Hamas group on Saturday (7). According to the authorities, 2,100 people have already died in attacks by both sides.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah alSisi said on Tuesday that the escalation in Gaza was “highly dangerous” and that Egypt was pushing for a negotiated solution to the violence with regional and international partners.
According to him, the country will not allow the problem to be solved “at the expense of others.” This was an apparent indication of the risk that some of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents might attempt to flee to Egypt.
For years, the movement of people and goods has been strictly controlled as part of a blockade of the Gaza Strip imposed by Egypt and Israel.
On Monday (9) about 800 people left Gaza through Rafah and about 500 people entered, although the border crossing was closed to the movement of goods, the United Nations Humanitarian Office said.
Egypt is discussing with the US and other countries about providing humanitarian aid across the Gaza border. However, according to Portal, Egyptian authorities reject the idea of creating safe corridors for refugees to pass through.
Brazil is awaiting approval from Egypt to try to repatriate 28 Brazilians staying in the Gaza Strip through the Rafah post, which lies on the region’s southern border with Egyptian territory. According to Itamaraty, all logistics for the rescue have already been prepared.
The government’s plan is to drive Brazilians out of Gaza across the border with Egypt. The route would lead to the capital Cairo, where a plane would be waiting for passengers.
However, according to the Brazilian ambassador in Ramallah in the Gaza Strip, Alessandro Candeas, Egypt is causing difficulties. The country fears that Brazilians will become refugees on its territory.
“That’s probably the difficulty they have [Egito] They are offering not to respond to our request for passage,” the ambassador explained.
“But one thing is transit. Our Brazilians will neither become immigrants nor refugees. We will cross the border with them and take a plane. The plane will rescue them and take them out of Egypt. So no. This.” her concern [Egito] “It’s not working,” he continued.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on Tuesday evening (10) that the US would consult with Israel and Egypt on the idea of safe passage for civilians from Gaza.