Biden Cautions Israel Over Military Actions in Rafah as Relations with Egypt Deteriorate

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Escalating tensions in the Gaza Strip, particularly in Rafah, prompt U.S. President Joe Biden to issue a stern warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Biden’s message, as disclosed by the White House, stressed the importance of Israel refraining from any military operation against Hamas in Rafah without a viable plan for civilian protection.

Framework Agreement Well Underway

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During their conversation Sunday, the possibility of a ceasefire took center stage, with a senior U.S. administration official noting the near completion of a framework agreement. This agreement could potentially facilitate the exchange of hostages held by Hamas for a cessation of the fighting.

Egypt Threatens to Suspend 1979 Camp David Accords

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt Sameh Hassan Shoukry Golden Brown Shutterstock
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The international community is closely monitoring the situation, especially following Egypt’s threat to suspend its peace treaty with Israel should an offensive in Rafah occur. Such a move could significantly impact regional stability.

Netanyahu’s Challenge to Maintain Diplomatic Relations While Fighting Hamas

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The threat underscores the delicate balance Netanyahu must navigate in pursuing military objectives against Hamas while maintaining diplomatic relations with both the United States and Egypt, who is also an ally of the United States.

Egypt Concerned 1.4 million Individuals Could Rush Border

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Egypt has issued a warning that it could put a hold on the 1979 peace agreement with Israel, known as the Camp David Accords, should Israeli forces move into Rafah, a crowded town along the Gaza border.

Border Town Rafah Teeming with Displaced Palestinians

Israel releases Palestinians Kerem Shalom border crossing in Rafah Gaza Strip Anas Mohammed Shutterstock
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Egypt and other neighboring countries are concerned about the 1.4 million displaced Palestinians currently in Rafah and their interests in protecting their own borders from an influx of refugees.

Netanyahu Committed to Total Victory

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Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu has said sending troops to Rafah is a necessary step in winning the war against Hamas, which Israel has been fighting for four months. Netanyahu claimed that Hamas has four battalions operating in the city.

Egypt Would Close Major Humanitarian Supply Chain if Israeli Troops Sent

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Egypt has countered that if Israeli troops are sent to the populous Rafah, which sits on the border its border with Gaza, Egypt would be forced to close the aid supply chain to prevent refugees from entering the country who may never leave.

Rafah Overwhelmed by 1.4 million Displaced Palestinians

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The United Nations has reported that Rafah, typically housing fewer than 300,000 people, is now overwhelmed with over 1.4 million displaced individuals from other parts of Gaza, making the situation increasingly untenable.

Egypt Preparing Buffer Zone and Barriers

Rafah crossing to Egypt Rafah border crossing in the southern Gaza Strip Anas Mohammed Shutterstock
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Egypt has taken extensive measures to secure its border with Gaza, including establishing a buffer zone and constructing barriers to prevent smuggling. Despite these efforts, there is concern over the potential for a large-scale influx of refugees into the Sinai Peninsula should the border be compromised.

Other Neighboring Nations Concerned

Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Drop of Light Shutterstock
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The warnings from Egypt were echoed by officials from other nations and entities, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the European Union, all highlighting the severe consequences of an Israeli advance into Rafah.

Complicated Diplomacy Between U.S. and Its Allies

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This situation places Israel and Egypt, both allies of the United States, in a precarious position. Netanyahu has suggested that civilians in Rafah could move to areas in the north that the Israeli army has cleared. However, the extensive damage from previous operations has severely limited the capacity to accommodate more displaced persons.

Attack in October Led to Significant Loss of Life and Diplomatic Challenges

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The conflict, which began with a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, has led to significant loss of life and has seen demands from both sides that have yet to be met, including the release of hostages and prisoners.

Netanyahu Intends to Continue Military Action Against Hamas

Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu Alexandros Michailidis Shutterstock
image credit: Alexandros Michailidis/Shutterstock

Netanyahu has stated his government’s intention to continue the military campaign until its objectives are achieved amid the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In response, Egypt has declared that if Israel sends troops, it will halt the Camp David Accords, which has long established a “cold peace” within the region.

Diplomatic Solution in Works Between Biden, Israel, and Egypt

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As Netanyahu vows to continue the fight for “total victory,” the international community remains hopeful for a diplomatic solution that will end the violence and ensure the safe return of all hostages. The situation in Gaza, particularly in Rafah, remains a focal point of concern, with the world watching closely for any developments that could lead to a resolution or further escalation of the conflict.

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