CAIRO — Egypt has called for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Philadelphi Corridor on the Gaza-Egypt border and the Rafah border crossing, underscoring its commitment to facilitating a long-term resolution to the ongoing conflict.
The demand was reiterated during high-level talks in Cairo, where Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met with senior U.S. officials, including National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Coordinator Brett McGurk.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Intelligence Chief Hassan Rashad also participated in the discussions.
Strategic Focus on Border Management
Cairo emphasized the importance of transferring the management of the Rafah border crossing to a Palestinian entity acceptable to all relevant parties, including Egypt, Israel, the Palestinian Authority (PA), and Hamas.
This stance reflects Egypt’s efforts to mediate a sustainable framework for border control while addressing security concerns and humanitarian needs.
The Philadelphi Corridor, a narrow strip along the Gaza-Egypt border, has historically been a contentious area due to its strategic significance in controlling movement and preventing arms smuggling.
Egypt’s insistence on Israeli withdrawal from this corridor aligns with its broader goals of reducing military tension and restoring stability in the region.
Historical Framework and International Involvement
The call for Palestinian management of the Rafah crossing is rooted in a 2005 agreement, under which the crossing was to be operated by a Palestinian authority approved by Egypt and Israel.
The agreement also stipulated international supervision by the European Union, a provision Egypt is reportedly advocating to reinstate in future arrangements.
Recent discussions have revived the potential for a transitional transfer of authority to the Palestinian Authority, as leaders from Hamas and Fatah explore ways to achieve governance unity.
This development comes amid ongoing indirect ceasefire and prisoner swap negotiations between Israel and Hamas, where the future of Gaza’s borders remains a pivotal issue.
Hamas Open to Ceasefire Terms
Hamas has expressed conditional openness to ceasefire initiatives that address several pressing concerns: the safe return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the uninterrupted entry of humanitarian aid.
These measures are seen as essential to mitigating the humanitarian crisis while fostering a foundation for long-term peace.
Egypt’s diplomatic push coincides with heightened international attention on the Gaza conflict. U.S. officials visiting Cairo have reiterated their support for de-escalation efforts and humanitarian relief, signaling alignment with Egypt’s mediation role.
However, the success of these initiatives hinges on bridging significant gaps between the stakeholders, particularly in defining acceptable terms for border management and security guarantees.
Broader Implications
Egypt’s call for Israeli withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor and Rafah crossing reflects its strategic interest in stabilizing the Gaza border while reinforcing its role as a key regional mediator.
The outcome of these discussions could have far-reaching implications for the dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, border security, and regional cooperation.
As negotiations continue, Egypt’s leadership remains pivotal in shaping a framework that balances security, humanitarian considerations, and the aspirations of the Palestinian people.