Israel-Egypt relations rift, ambassador threatened to withdraw

Last Updated on May 15, 2024 8:06 am

Israel has a rift in relations with neighboring Egypt over the aggression in Gaza. Cairo is even thinking of taking decisions like withdrawing the ambassador from Tel Aviv.

Egyptian officials told the US media outlet Wall Street Journal that the differences between the two countries have become apparent over the Israeli aggression in Gaza and the country’s operation in Rafah. In this situation, Egypt is considering limiting diplomatic relations with Israel. In particular, the country considers Israel to be an obstacle to the implementation of a ceasefire in Gaza.

Egypt will not work with Israel on relief due to an “unacceptable escalation of tensions” in Rafah, Egyptian state media Al-Qahera News reported in a report on Saturday.

A source told the media that Egypt blames only Israel for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Egyptian officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they were considering limiting diplomatic relations with Israel without severing them completely. An Egyptian official, who did not want to be named, said Cairo is also considering withdrawing its ambassador from Israel.

He also said that as long as the Israeli forces remain at the Rafah crossing (the connection between Egypt and Gaza), Egypt will not send a single truck (relief carrier) to Rafah and Egyptian officials.

Last week, Israeli forces suddenly occupied the Rafah crossing on the border between Gaza and Egypt. Since then the border has been completely closed. No relief is coming from there now. Previously, the Rafah crossing was the only way for people in southern Gaza to get relief. It was also the only route from Gaza to Egypt for better treatment.

Israel ordered residents to evacuate the central area of Rafah on Saturday after capturing the Rafah crossing. After that, the occupying Israeli forces launched a full-scale attack there.