Egypt Threatens to Cancel Israel-Egypt Peace Deal Amidst Possible Invasion of Rafah

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
11/02/2024 23h27

In a significant development, Egypt has reportedly threatened to torn up the key Israel-Egypt peace deal if Israel proceeds with its planned invasion of Rafah, a border city between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. The Associated Press, citing two Egyptian officials and a Western diplomat, reported on Sunday about Egypt's warning.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently ordered the military to prepare a plan for the evacuation of Rafah, hinting at the expansion of Israel's ongoing offensive into the city. In preparation for the possible invasion, Israeli forces have intensified their airstrikes and shelling in the area.

The peace agreement, known as the Camp David Accords, has been a cornerstone of stability between Israel and its neighbor since its establishment following the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. The potential revocation of the accords could further fuel uncertainties in the already volatile region.

Rafah, at present, has become a safe haven for Palestinians fleeing the relentless Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip. More than half of the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip has sought refuge in this town, emphasizing the dire situation faced by civilians in the region.

The militant group Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip, responded with fury to the proposed invasion, issuing a warning through the al-Aqsa TV channel. They stated that any attack on Rafah would lead to the breakdown of negotiations for a prisoner exchange, causing further tension in the region.

Several Western leaders have raised concerns and decried Israel's invasion plans, highlighting the potential harm to civilians who have sought refuge in Rafah. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, and the EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell all issued statements condemning the plan and expressing fears of catastrophic consequences for innocent civilians.

As tensions rise and the possibility of an invasion looms, the international community remains deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation, urging restraint and a diplomatic resolution to prevent further escalation of the conflict.

The situation in Rafah will continue to be closely monitored, particularly in view of the potential consequences for the Israel-Egypt peace deal and the destabilizing impact on the region.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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