Israeli newspaper "Yedioth Ahronoth" published images today, Tuesday, claiming they show the Egyptian authorities closing the Rafah border crossing with concrete blocks. The Hebrew newspaper stated that "Egypt closed the Rafah crossing with cement and has prevented entry and exit since yesterday, Monday, despite the Egyptian authorities assuring that the crossing is not closed and that any claims of its closure are mere fabrications and lies."
Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Egypt's concern over Israel's control of the crossing and the city of Rafah in general stems from several main reasons. The first reason presented by Cairo is central to its concerns, which is "the liquidation of the Palestinian cause." According to the Egyptians, activities in Rafah would lead to Palestinians transitioning to Sinai, which would "eradicate the Palestinian cause."
The second concern is the fear of armed elements entering Sinai, as Cairo worries about losing control over the current situation. Egyptian officials have indicated since the beginning of the war that the rise of terrorism in the region poses a threat to Israel as well. Meanwhile, Egypt has raised its alert level in North Sinai after announcing the evacuation of civilians from Rafah as the Israeli operation in the city began on Monday.
The third reason for Egypt's opposition, according to Yedioth, is the difficult economic situation in the country. In reality, Egypt cannot provide financial support for the large numbers of displaced people, as the economic situation for the Palestinian refugees who have already entered it is dire.
At the same time, the Americans have requested clarifications from Israel regarding the operation in Rafah, and a conversation is expected to take place within hours this morning between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Joe Biden.
