Egyptian Border Control and Relations with Gaza: Ensuring Security

Egypt is taking proactive measures to secure its borders with Gaza, particularly to prevent terrorist cells from infiltrating into Sinai. This article will explore Egypt's border control policies, the dynamics of Ghana and Hamas, and the geopolitical implications for the region.

Key Points:

Egypt's border control efforts to prevent terrorist cells from entering Sinai The historical context of border control during the Palestinian exodus Egypt's stance on Hamas and its relation to the Muslim Brotherhood Egypt's strategic importance in the region and its relationship with Israel The future of border control policies and potential changes

Scope and Implications of Border Control

Egypt is currently reinforcing its border defenses against possible Gazan incursions. The primary objective is to ensure that no Palestinians cross into Egyptian territory, reminiscent of past incidents where Palestinians breached the borders. The Egyptian military is building a robust defense strategy and creating backup plans to handle incursions.

While there is some sympathy within the Egyptian army, Sisi would not hesitate to eliminate every Hamas fighter and supporter if the opportunity arose. This aggressive stance is driven by the protection of Egypt's sovereign interests and government stability. Any infiltration of terrorist cells could severely destabilize the region.

The Role of Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood

Hamas, an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood, is a designated extremist organization in Egypt. Egypt views Hamas and Palestinians with significant distrust, more so than it does Israel. Though Egyptians maintain a public stance of condemning Israel, this is mainly to maintain a good image in the Arab world and to appease their domestic population.

The peace agreement between Egypt and Israel is a pact between ruling elites, not the general population. This means that while the public may show support for Israel, there is a strategic alliance that exists behind closed doors. This context is crucial to understanding Egypt's mixed messaging and evolving policies.

Historical Context of Border Control

Historically, the border between Egypt and Gaza was controlled by Israel until 2005, when Israel unilaterally withdrew from Gaza. Following this withdrawal, Hamas took control of the Gaza side of the border, while Egypt retained control over its own side. This shift in control has led to complex security challenges and varying levels of cooperation in border security efforts.

Egyptian control over the Rafah border crossing has been particularly stringent. Prior incidents have seen Hamas militants attempting to penetrate into Egyptian territory, which Egypt has responded to with a zero-tolerance policy. The Rafah border incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential security threats and the lengths Egypt will go to prevent such incursions.

The Future of Border Control

Currently, Israel is advocating for control over the Philadelphia Corridor, a 14 km (8.7 miles) narrow strip of land along the border between Gaza and Egypt. This land is crucial for preventing Hamas terrorists from escaping into Egypt and for preventing the smuggling of illegal weapons into Gaza. Egypt, however, has been refusing to cooperate with this initiative, at least publicly. Nonetheless, it is possible that Israel could take control of this land unilaterally, reflecting the complex interplay between regional powers.

The future of border control policies depends on various factors, including regional stability, diplomatic relations, and geopolitical shifts. While Egypt remains resolute in protecting its interests, it is crucial for regional peace and security that all parties work towards cooperative solutions.

As the region continues to evolve, the dynamic between Egypt, Gaza, and Israel will remain a critical area of interest. The security of the border is not just about preventing terrorist activities but also about maintaining a balance of power and ensuring regional stability.