Egypt Deploys Armored Vehicles Near Rafah Border Amid Fears of Refugee Influx

Abiola
1 Min Read
Egyptian army soldiers man an infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) deployed near the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing with the Gaza Strip on March 23, 2024, amid the ongoing conflict in the Palestinian territory between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. (Photo by Khaled DESOUKI / AFP)

Egypt has reinforced its military presence along the border with Israel and Gaza, deploying tanks and heavy armored vehicles near the Rafah crossing, according to a report by The Times of Israel.

The move comes as Cairo grows increasingly concerned about the possibility of tens of thousands of Palestinian refugees attempting to cross into Egyptian territory due to the ongoing escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. For now, Egypt has kept the Rafah border closed to civilians, maintaining strict control over movement in the area.

Despite the closure, humanitarian aid continues to pass through. Egypt has permitted trucks carrying food, medicine, and other supplies to enter the Gaza Strip, but has resisted pressure to open the border more widely. Officials fear that allowing large-scale crossings could destabilize security in Egypt’s Sinai region, which has long faced its own challenges with militancy and instability.

The deployment of armored vehicles highlights Egypt’s delicate balancing act—providing humanitarian support for Palestinians in Gaza while guarding against a mass refugee influx that could strain its resources and security.


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