Rafah Crossing

29 May 2024 Rafah Crossing

THIS ARTICLE COVERS ‘DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS’ AND THE TOPIC DETAILS OF ”Rafah Crossing”. THIS TOPIC IS RELEVANT IN THE “International Relations” SECTION OF THE UPSC CSE EXAM. 

Why in the News?  

The phrase “All Eyes on Rafah” recently swept through social media, garnering global support for the Palestinians living in the southern part of Gaza City amid a large-scale ground operation by Israel. Over the weekend, Israeli bombardment and airstrikes resulted in the death of at least 45 individuals, the majority of whom were taking refuge in tents within Rafah, located in southern Gaza City. Launched late Sunday, this assault inflicted shrapnel and burn injuries on hundreds of civilians, according to Gaza’s medical teams, and has faced widespread international criticism. 

About Rafah Crossing: 

• The Rafah crossing, situated at the southern tip of the Gaza Strip, borders Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.
• In the 1967 war, Israel gains control of the Gaza Strip, including Rafah City.
• Under a 2007 agreement, Egypt controls the crossing, but imports through the Rafah crossing require Israeli approval.
• It is nestled between Israel, Egypt, and the Mediterranean Sea.
• It is the sole exit that does not lead to Israeli territory.
• The Rafah crossing from Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula is the most probable route for humanitarian assistance to reach Gaza.
• There are only two other border crossings in and out of Gaza: Erez, situated in the north, serves individuals in Israel, while Kerem Shalom, located in the south, is dedicated solely to the movement of commercial goods.

Importance of Rafah Crossing: 

• Many Gaza residents require medical treatments that are not available locally due to limited healthcare facilities. The Rafah Border Crossing is essential for these patients to access medical treatment in Egypt or abroad.
• The crossing is crucial for delivering humanitarian assistance, such as food, medicine, and vital supplies, particularly when other routes are shut or inaccessible. 
• The Rafah Crossing’s control is crucial for both Palestinian authorities, like Hamas, to assert autonomy and for Egypt to prevent smuggling, impacting regional stability and security in Gaza and Sinai.
• Although the Rafah Crossing is not a major commercial crossing like Kerem Shalom, it still plays a role in trade, especially for goods that might be restricted or controlled through Israeli crossings. It’s also vital for Gazans seeking employment abroad, as the remittances they send back are a crucial income source for many families in Gaza. 
• The Rafah Crossing, a key border post with a history of changing control, affects Palestinian autonomy and regional diplomacy, serving as a crucial link for Gaza to the outside world, with its status deeply impacting local morale. 

Way Forward: 

• Creating a humanitarian corridor at the Rafah Crossing free from political influence is essential to ensuring a steady supply of medical aid, food, and essentials and enabling medical evacuations. International oversight by entities like the United Nations or the ICRC could ensure the corridor’s integrity, fostering trust and ensuring aid is delivered effectively.
• Seek to establish a new agreement among Egypt, the Palestinian Authority, and Israel, potentially with international mediators, to set transparent, equitable procedures for the Rafah Crossing’s consistent operation. Promote trust-building among Egypt, Hamas, and the Palestinian Authority through cooperative humanitarian efforts or shared infrastructure projects. 
• Enhance security protocols at the Rafah Border Crossing to mitigate genuine security issues. This enhancement could involve implementing advanced monitoring systems, more effective screening methods, and collaborative security efforts between Egyptian and Palestinian authorities. 
• Establish economic cooperation zones near the Rafah Crossing to boost local economies and create jobs. These zones could be developed with international investment and a focus on manufacturing, agriculture, and services. Simplify and facilitate trade through the Rafah Crossing by developing streamlined customs procedures and reducing bureaucratic barriers.  
• Boost global aid and development support focusing on enhancing infrastructure and living standards in Gaza. This support must be strategically coordinated to address urgent needs and ensure efficient utilisation. 
• Initiate worldwide advocacy efforts to highlight the situation at the Rafah Crossing and gather international backing. This could include diplomatic initiatives, media outreach, and partnerships with international non-governmental organisations and groups within civil society. 

Rafah is now the focal point of the recent surge in violence within the Israel-Gaza conflict, as the city undergoes a severe attack from Israeli forces. This onslaught has resulted in the displacement of more than a million Palestinians and has attracted broad international criticism. 

Mains Practice Question: 

Q. How to prevent further escalation following the Israeli attack in Rafah? Examine India’s stands on Israel’s attack in the Rafah region.

Amit Pradhan

I have the experience to guide and write the content for the  UPSC, and PCS Aspirants in preparing for the Civil Service Exam.  Currently Working as a content developer in Yojna IAS.