Rafah Clash Exposes Roots of Egypt and Israel Tension
Jun 5, 2024
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Security expert H. A. Hellyer and co-host Murtaza Hussain discuss growing tensions between Egypt and Israel, threats to peace accords, and the risks of the Gaza conflict escalating. They explore Egypt's role in mediating the conflict, the debate over third-party management at the Rafah border crossing, and the impact on regional security. The podcast also delves into global perceptions of the conflict, allegations of genocide, and the importance of enforcing international law.
Egypt and Israel tensions escalate due to recent events like the assault on Gaza and threats to Camp David peace accords.
Egypt plays a crucial role in mediating Gaza conflict, engaging with Palestinian factions, despite differences with Hamas.
Rafah clash intensifies hostilities between Egypt and Israel, leading Egypt to protest Israeli violations and join legal cases.
Deep dives
Tensions Rise Between Israel and Egypt
Tensions between Israel and Egypt have intensified due to recent events such as the Israeli assault on Gaza and attacks on the city of Raffa. The Camp David peace agreement that has historically maintained peace is now under strain as Egypt threatens to suspend it. Egypt has shown public opposition to Israeli actions in Gaza, raising concern about further conflict between the two nations.
Egypt's Role in Gaza Conflict Mediation
Egypt plays a key role in mediating the conflict in Gaza, engaging with various Palestinian factions, including Hamas and the Israeli government. Cairo's historical relationship with Hamas, despite ideological differences, has led to significant involvement in peace negotiations and conflict resolution efforts. Egypt's stance against displacing Palestinians to Sinai and its opposition to Israeli bombardment in Gaza have shaped its approach to the conflict.
Rising Tensions in Rafah and Violation of Peace Treaty
A clash in Rafah resulting in an Egyptian soldier's death has heightened tensions between Egypt and Israel. The Israeli breach of the Camp David peace treaty with artillery presence in the Philadelphia Corridor has incited Egyptian protests and actions like joining international legal cases against Israel. The incident underscores Egypt's staunch opposition to Israeli violations and its efforts to safeguard territorial integrity.
US Support for Israel and Impact on International Order
The US's steadfast support for Israel amid international legal scrutiny over Gaza actions has raised concerns about the credibility of the rules-based international order. US defense of Israeli actions despite legal investigations has led to skepticism about the US commitment to upholding international norms, diminishing trust in the rules-based system globally. This dynamic threatens the perception of US leadership and adherence to international law standards.
Risk of Escalation to Regional Conflict
Amid ongoing conflicts and hostilities, there's a looming risk of escalation to a broader regional war involving Israel, Lebanon, and other regional actors. Escalations between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon pose a significant threat to regional stability. Diplomatic efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the US aim to avert prolonged conflict and prevent regional war scenarios that could have devastating implications for the region and global dynamics.
After eight months of brutal fighting with no end in sight, the war in Gaza is at risk of metastasizing into a regional conflict. Recent tensions between Egypt and Israel — normally security partners who have cooperated in the blockade of Gaza — have thrown into stark relief the growing risks of a spillover from the war.
This week on Intercepted, security expert H. A. Hellyer discusses with co-host Murtaza Hussain the growing hostilities between the two countries, which have resulted in Egypt joining the International Court of Justice genocide case against Israel, threats to annul the Camp David peace accords, and even a fatal shooting incident between Egyptian and Israel troops.
The war in Gaza is at risk of exploding into a far greater war that could cause the destruction of the tenuous security architecture that has held the region together for decades.
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