Background
On May 7, 2024, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) captured the Gazan side of the Rafah Border Crossing with Egypt, in what was described as a "pinpoint operation" against the Hamas terror group. This incursion came after the IDF issued evacuation orders for some 100,000 Gazans in parts of eastern Rafah, citing the need to carry out "targeted strikes" against Hamas.
The Rafah Border Crossing is a strategic location, serving as a main entry point for humanitarian aid into Gaza. It is located along the Philadelphi Corridor, which separates Egypt and Gaza, and has been used by Hamas for terrorist purposes, including the launching of mortar attacks.
The Rafah Operation
The IDF operation in Rafah was characterized as a "limited" or "very limited" incursion, aimed at pressuring Hamas to accept a deal and achieve tactical military goals. It was not the full-scale ground offensive that had been threatened by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for months.
The operation involved the IDF's 401st Armored Brigade, which captured the Gazan side of the Rafah Crossing with little resistance. Israeli flags were raised at the crossing, and footage showed Israeli military vehicles driving along the Egypt-Gaza border.
During the operation, the IDF reported that some 20 gunmen were killed, three "significant" tunnel shafts were located, and an explosive-laden car driving towards an IDF tank was struck and destroyed. Over 50 Hamas sites in Rafah were also struck by the air force.
The incursion caused concern among humanitarian organizations, as the Rafah and Kerem Shalom border crossings were closed, disrupting the flow of aid into Gaza. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) warned that the interruption of aid could lead to a "humanitarian disaster."
The operation also raised fears of civilian casualties, with over a million displaced Palestinians sheltering in Rafah. However, the IDF stressed that it was acting on precise intelligence and conducting targeted strikes.
Negotiations and Ceasefire Efforts
The Rafah operation occurred amidst ongoing negotiations for a potential hostage release and ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. On May 6, 2024, Hamas announced that it had accepted a ceasefire proposal brokered by Egyptian and Qatari mediators. However, Israeli officials stated that the Hamas proposal differed from what had been previously discussed and did not meet their essential requirements.
Despite this, an Israeli delegation was sent to Cairo to continue negotiations, even as the IDF operation in Rafah proceeded. The war cabinet unanimously decided to push forward with the military operation to exert pressure on Hamas and promote the release of hostages.
The Biden administration expressed opposition to a major ground operation in Rafah, with President Biden conveying this message to Netanyahu in a phone call. The US and other countries were concerned about the potential for mass civilian casualties and the exacerbation of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The Significance of the Rafah Border Crossing
The Rafah Border Crossing is the sole crossing point between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, making it a vital lifeline for the two million residents of Gaza. It is one of two main crossings for Gazans—the other being the Erez crossing in the north at the Israeli border. Rafah is unique in that it is not directly controlled by Israel, but rather by Egypt, giving Gazans a connection to the outside world beyond Israeli jurisdiction.
A History of Conflict and Control
The Rafah Crossing has a complex history, shaped by the numerous conflicts in the region. The border itself is a product of the 1906 Ottoman-British agreement, which established a border between Ottoman-ruled Palestine and British-ruled Egypt. In 1948, Gaza came under Egyptian control, effectively erasing the Gaza-Egypt border. However, in 1967, Israel conquered the Gaza Strip and the Sinai Peninsula from Egypt, occupying both territories.
In 1979, the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty returned the Sinai to Egyptian control and established a 100-meter-wide buffer zone known as the Philadelphi Route between Gaza and Egypt. This treaty also re-established the Gaza-Egypt border, dividing the city of Rafah. When Israel withdrew from the Sinai in 1982, Rafah was split into Egyptian and Palestinian parts, separating families and communities.
In 2005, Israel withdrew from Gaza, and the Palestinian National Authority took control of the Gazan side of the Rafah Crossing. However, Israel continued to exert influence over the crossing, monitoring all activity in southern Gaza from its Kerem Shalom military base and retaining control over the movement of goods and people. This dynamic led to frequent closures of the crossing, with Egypt and Israel citing security concerns related to Hamas' presence in Gaza.
Humanitarian Concerns and the Impact of War
The Rafah Crossing has been a critical entry point for humanitarian aid, particularly during times of conflict. With Israel imposing a blockade on Gaza since 2007, the Rafah Crossing became the only way for Gazans to leave the coastal strip and for humanitarian aid to enter. During the 2023 Israel-Hamas war, the crossing was intermittently closed due to security concerns, disrupting the flow of aid and leading to warnings of a "humanitarian disaster" from the United Nations.
The crossing also serves as an evacuation route for injured people and foreign passport holders during times of conflict. In 2023, limited evacuations were allowed through Rafah, with foreign nationals and severely injured individuals being able to leave Gaza. However, the process of exiting Gaza through Rafah is often challenging and time-consuming, requiring registration with local Palestinian authorities weeks in advance.
The Israeli Incursion and Its Implications
The IDF's capture of the Rafah Crossing in May 2024 marked a significant development in the ongoing conflict. By taking control of the crossing, Israel gained full authority over the entry and exit of people and goods into Gaza for the first time since its withdrawal in 2005. This move disrupted aid deliveries and raised concerns about a potential humanitarian crisis, particularly regarding the supply of food and medicine.
The operation also had diplomatic repercussions. Egypt, which had previously warned against any occupation of Rafah, condemned the seizure of the crossing as a "dangerous escalation." The United States, while describing the operation as "limited," paused a shipment of bombs to Israel due to concerns about a potential full-scale assault on Rafah.
The incursion highlighted the complex dynamics at play in the region, with Israel asserting its military capabilities while navigating diplomatic pressures from the US and other international actors. The capture of the Rafah Crossing underscored Israel's determination to exert control over the movement of goods and people into Gaza, even as negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release continued.
The Future of Rafah and the Gaza-Egypt Border
The Rafah Border Crossing remains a critical juncture, with its status and functionality impacting the lives of Gazans and the broader geopolitical landscape. The crossing's history illustrates the complex interplay between conflict, humanitarian needs, and diplomatic tensions in the region. As negotiations and military strategies unfold, the Rafah Crossing will continue to be a focal point, shaping the lives and livelihoods of those connected to Gaza.
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The Impact of the Rafah Border Crossing Closure
The closure of the Rafah Border Crossing during the 2023 Israel-Hamas war had significant consequences for the people of Gaza. With the crossing shut, the entry of humanitarian aid and the evacuation of injured individuals were severely hampered. This situation prompted the United Nations (UN) to issue warnings about a potential "humanitarian disaster." The UN's humanitarian office spokesperson, Jens Laerke, emphasized that the closure of the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings choked off the two main arteries for getting aid into Gaza, resulting in low stock levels inside the Gaza Strip.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The Gaza Strip, home to around 2.3 million people, faced a dire humanitarian situation during the conflict. The World Food Programme (WFP) described the situation as a "full-blown famine," particularly in northern Gaza. The World Health Organization (WHO) also voiced concern over the impact of the crossing closure on the supply of medicines and access for medical personnel.
Aid Blocked and Evacuations Impeded
The closure of the Rafah Border Crossing disrupted the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The Palestinian-run Gaza Crossings Authority called the closure a "death sentence" for the people of Gaza, especially those who were ill or injured. The only other nearby crossing, the Kerem Shalom crossing, was also closed after a Hamas rocket attack that killed four Israeli soldiers.
The Role of Egypt and International Efforts
Egypt, which controls the Rafah Border Crossing, allowed limited evacuations during the conflict. In coordination with the United States, Qatar mediated an agreement between Egypt, Israel, and Hamas to facilitate these evacuations. This agreement enabled the evacuation of foreign passport holders, staff members from NGOs, and individuals with severe injuries, along with their accompanying family members.
The Complex Dynamics of the Border
The Rafah Border Crossing has a complex history, shaped by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and regional geopolitical dynamics. While Egypt controls the crossing, Israel has exerted significant influence over it. Israel monitors all activity in southern Gaza from its Kerem Shalom military base and retains the right to veto the passage of people and goods. This dynamic has resulted in frequent closures of the crossing, impacting the flow of aid and movement of people.
The Way Forward
The Rafah Border Crossing remains a critical lifeline for the people of Gaza. Its opening and closure directly impact the delivery of humanitarian aid, the evacuation of individuals, and the overall well-being of the population. As the region navigates the aftermath of the conflict and works towards recovery, the status of the Rafah Border Crossing will continue to be a key factor in shaping the lives and livelihoods of those connected to Gaza.
Additional Insights
- The Rafah Border Crossing is the sole crossing point between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, making it a vital connection to the outside world for Gazans.
- The crossing has been intermittently open to Palestinians due to the blockade imposed by Israel since 2007.
- The border has seen numerous shifts, openings, and closures over the years, prompting the construction of illicit tunnels to facilitate the flow of people and goods.
- The sociologist Lorenzo Navone describes the Rafah border as a "mobile frontier," reflecting the dynamic nature of the region's geopolitics.
- The border's history is closely tied to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with shifts occurring after significant events such as the Six-Day War in 1967 and the Israeli disengagement from Gaza in 2005.
- The blockade and restrictions on the Rafah Border Crossing have led to a system of tunnels between Gaza and Egypt for illegal crossings.
- During the 2023 conflict, Egypt initially claimed the border crossing was open, but Israeli bombardment made it inoperable.
- The closure of the Rafah Border Crossing during the conflict disrupted the flow of aid, leading to concerns about a potential humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
- The eventual reopening of the crossing allowed for the entry of humanitarian aid and evacuations, but the process was challenging due to the crossing's primary use for civilian movements rather than large-scale relief efforts.