Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Elaraby told al-Jazeera this morning that the Rafah crossing between Egypt and the Hamas ruled Gaza Strip would be opened permanently with a week to ten days.The crossing had been closed by Egypt since 2007.
Essentially, that means the Egyptian blockade of Hamas is over, and Iranian weaponry and personnel will be able to come in over the border openly.Of course, the smuggling tunnels will still be in use as well, and without any Egyptian efforts to close them down.
Elaraby said that Egypt was taking this step to alleviate the "suffering of the Palestinian people."
"Egyptian national security and Palestinian security are one," he added.
Look for Egypt to normalize relations with Hamas fairly quickly, especially as the Muslim Brotherhood assumes a bigger role in Egypt's government.
I think it's safe to say that the Egyptian-Israel peace treaty is over for all practical purposes.
When do we get Sinai back. And don't forget the oil.
ReplyDeleteBetty,
ReplyDeleteThat's a very good question!! Had Israel maintained control of the Sinai Amrerica and the "West" would be in a much better position right now. It would be far better for us to have a country who is not hostile to us controlling such a vital region and the oil that goes with it. My suggestion: simly take it over from the Egyptians. There's nothing America can do about it even if Mr. Obama and the American government actually wanted to do something about it. I don't think the Egyptians can stop the Israelis. Will the Russians or Chinese want to intervene in this? I suppose that's the major question that would have to be considered before undertaking such an operation but I think if its done quickly the facts on the ground can be altered before they have a chance to do or say any thing. Once Israeli forces are firmly entrenched, its going to be very difficult to get them out. As such, I think it likely the Russians or the Chinese would not choose to intervene in this.