Israel, Egypt trade accusations over Gaza border policy

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on September 5 accused Egypt of “imprisoning against their will residents in Gaza who want to leave a war zone.”

The statement from the Prime Minister’s Office followed Cairo’s criticism of Netanyahu’s earlier remarks that Palestinians seeking to leave the Strip via the Rafah Border Crossing would be blocked by Egypt, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media. 

Speaking with Abu Ali Express, Netanyahu said half of Gaza’s residents want to leave the territory, citing a May survey.

“I can open the [Rafah] crossing for them, but they’ll be blocked… immediately by Egypt. We’re not seeking to expel [Palestinians], but to lock them in? By force? All the human rights warriors — where are you?” When it comes to something that serves Israel, there are no human rights. Even when it’s about giving the basic right to every Palestinian, to leave,” he said.

In response, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry stated that the country “will not use its checkpoint as a transit point for Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.” On the same day, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty told reporters in Cyprus that Egypt will not tolerate mass displacement of Palestinians, reiterating charges that Israel is committing genocide.

“Displacement is not an option and it is a red line for Egypt and we will not allow it to happen,” he said. “Displacement means liquidation and the end of the Palestinian cause and there is no legal or moral or ethical ground to evict people from their homeland."

Qatar, which like Egypt is mediating hostage-ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, also condemned Netanyahu’s remarks, saying they reflect “an extension of the occupation’s approach to violating the rights of the brotherly Palestinian people."

“The only way to ensure peace in the Middle East is the creation of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital,” Qatar's Foreign Ministry said.

By Sabina Mammadli