Secret Talks on Rafah Crossing Reopening
In a significant development, the United States, Israel, and the Palestinian Authority held a secret meeting last week in Tel Aviv to discuss the reopening of the Rafah crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip. This meeting, which included President Joe Biden's chief advisor for Middle East affairs, Brett McGurk, aimed to negotiate terms for reopening the strategic crossing as part of a broader postwar strategy. The reopening is crucial for implementing the first phase of a hostage deal, which includes the transfer of wounded Hamas members to Egypt for medical treatment.
Political Tensions and Proposals
During the meeting, Israel confirmed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes any official intervention by the Palestinian Authority at the Rafah crossing. However, the Israeli side proposed that members of the Palestinian Authority operate the crossing in an unofficial capacity, a suggestion that the Palestinian side rejected. This proposal, which had previously angered Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his advisors, was seen as an attempt to involve the Palestinian Authority without officially acknowledging their role.
Despite the disagreements, senior US officials view the reopening of the Rafah crossing as a critical step towards stabilizing and rebuilding Gaza. The Biden administration hopes that this move could help restore governance in the Gaza Strip in a way that excludes Hamas and allows some involvement of the Palestinian Authority. However, the Israeli army's control of the Palestinian side of the crossing and the destruction of the existing infrastructure complicate these efforts.
Israeli Channel 12 reported that the Israeli army plans to rebuild the crossing near the Kerem Shalom crossing, where the Israeli-Egyptian border meets. However, Egyptian sources confirmed that Cairo refuses to relocate the crossing and insists on maintaining its current location.
- The secret meeting in Tel Aviv marks a rare instance of cooperation between the United States, Israel, and the Palestinian Authority on a highly sensitive issue. The discussions underscore the complex political dynamics at play, with each party having distinct interests and concerns regarding the reopening of the Rafah crossing.
- The involvement of senior officials such as Brett McGurk, the head of Shin Bet Ronan Bar, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's top aides, including Minister Hussein al-Sheikh and intelligence head Majed Faraj, highlights the importance of the negotiations. The refusal of the Palestinian side to accept an unofficial role at the crossing reflects their insistence on formal recognition and their reluctance to be seen as merely a local aid committee.
- The closure of the Rafah crossing by the Israeli army has had significant humanitarian implications, particularly for the transfer of wounded individuals and the movement of goods and people. The proposed reopening is seen as a potential first step towards a broader strategy to stabilize Gaza post-conflict, but it remains fraught with political and logistical challenges.
- The situation remains fluid, with ongoing discussions and negotiations expected to continue as the parties seek a viable solution that addresses their respective concerns and interests.
