Egypt: planning to take control of the Gaza Strip?

Egypt: planning to take control of the Gaza Strip?

Egypt played a key role in brokering the peace deal between the Hamas and Israel, putting an end to a violent conflict that has claimed the lives of hundreds of civilians. Eleven days after the outbreak of violence between the sides, a cease-fire was agreed upon. Egypt has also pledged to allocate 500$ million to fund and kickstart the reconstruction of destroyed areas in the Gaza Strip. Egypt has gained a stronger position after the end of the hostilities as the country acts as mediator. The Arab Republic of Egypt sent dozens of bulldozers, cranes and trucks to the border to begin the reconstruction of Gaza.

Egypt’s presence in the Gaza strip has raised concerns among Palestinians, rendering it unclear whether Egypt is planning on retaking control of the enclave it ruled between 1948 and 1967. The presence of Egyptian construction companies means that Hamas and Israel will deter any factions to resume rocket attacks on each other. A source claimed that if any party starts firing rockets whilst Egyptian people are in the area, they will get into serious trouble with Egypt.

Voices from within Palestine have claimed that Egypt is planning on returning to the Gaza strip, further stating that many people in Palestine believe that the Egyptian reconstruction work is part of a plot for permanent Egyptian presence in the strip. Whilst Egypt’s intentions cannot be confirmed at this moment, the country’s head of General Intelligence service, Abbas Kamel, made a rare visit to the Gaza strip in order to discuss ways to maintain the ceasefire and ensure the reconstruction progress. Egypt’s involvement could, however, represent their wish of being heavily involved with everything concerning the Gaza strip.