The humanitarian crisis currently raging in the Gaza Strip is provoking strong reactions in the region. Neighboring Egypt, in particular, finds itself faced with a dilemma: should it or not open its borders and welcome Palestinian refugees fleeing the violence?
Officially, the Egyptian government says its border is open, but in practice there is no crossing. This situation creates a division among the Egyptians themselves. On the one hand, there are those who support the “Palestinian brothers” in the Gaza Strip unconditionally, expressing solidarity with the Palestinians who are suffering from Israeli bombings. On the other hand, some voices are being raised to express concerns about the massive reception of Palestinian refugees in Egypt.
In a political rally, demonstrators chant slogans in support of Palestine, denouncing the oppression exercised by Israel and criticizing the West for its supposed complicity. They also reject the recent rapprochements between Israel and certain Arab countries, affirming their opposition to any form of normalization. This position reflects that of many Egyptians who express support for the Palestinian cause and condemn the current violence in Gaza.
However, not all Egyptians share the same opinion. Some believe that a mass exodus of Palestinians to Egypt is unlikely, as they hope that Palestinians will resist and stay on their land despite the difficulties. They stress the importance of establishing a humanitarian corridor to deliver necessary aid to Gaza, while keeping in mind that Palestinian refugees must remain on their land.
The younger generation in Egypt seems to be more open to welcoming Palestinian refugees. She considers the fraternal relationship that exists between Egyptians and Palestinians and sees no obstacle to their arrival in Egypt. However, this vision is contrasted by the concerns that this could generate in terms of resources and stability of the country.
The Egyptian government, for its part, has organized humanitarian aid ready to be transported to Gaza. Medicine, food and other supplies have been centralized in the town of Al-Arish, near the border with Gaza, in preparation for a possible opening of the border.
The question of welcoming Palestinian refugees in Egypt is therefore complex and divides opinions. While some express unconditional solidarity and support for the Palestinians, others raise concerns about the consequences of such a massive influx of refugees. The situation therefore remains tense and the debate on the best way to manage this humanitarian crisis persists.