Israel is Not Responsible for the "Siege" on Gaza
Rafah border crossingPic: Rafah border crossing. Photo WikiMedia CommonsThe construction of the Mubarak Line was intended to serve an additional Egyptian interest: In Egypt, Mubarak knows well how to deal with the Muslim Brotherhood and keep it under a tight leash (Why doesn't Amnesty focus on the question of how Egypt deals with in-house opposition?). But to deal with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Egypt must apply external control: The Mubarak Line gives Egypt the opportunity to use a carrot and stick approach by modulating the amount of materials smuggled. Whenever Hamas’ policy is not to Egypt’s liking, Egyptian police tightens the screws, conducts operations to seize goods and the Gaza economy is pressured. The pressure is only removed when Hamas understands the message and straightens itself according to Egyptian policy. The smuggling tap is slowly opened. Egypt would never fully close or fully open the smuggling tap: The modulation is a key to effective external control over Hamas and directing it to operate according to Egypt desire.
The Egyptians use similar tactics regarding the opening of the Rafah border: Using an excuse that The PA (so called "President Abu Mazen’s”) forces are the only force allowed to operate border passport control, Egypt has refused to open the border for the past three years (causing some to point the blame at Israel). Of course this creates an impossible situation, so to alleviate the "humanitarian situation" Egypt opens the border for Gazans who are "stranded" at the border. Such openings are done almost every week but are described by Egypt as “one-time only” – to justify the fact that the opening takes place without the presence of the PA forces.
The result is that thousands of Gazans pass through the crossing every month, but only when Egypt coordinates this “abnormally” with Hamas’ Interior Ministry. The crossing opens and closes at Egypt’s will. How does Amnesty call this phenomenon, which repeats itself every week for the past 36 months? “The Israeli Siege on Gaza”.
Avi Tarengo is an Israeli researcher and journalist, and an expert on terror financing.
"I am proud of what I did. I have no regrets." said Hagai Amir, who assisted his brother in the murder.
Ben-Zion Netanyahu was Cynical about Peace in Middle East
On Yom Ha’atzmaut, the Jewish State is Flourishing
A video retrospective of Israel's first 64 years
Couple had no money for wedding so friends opened Facebook group to raise funds leading hundreds of virtual strangers to volunteer, contribute to create major celebration
Masa Brings 10,000 Jewish Young People to Israel Annually
"I am proud of what I did. I have no regrets." said Hagai Amir, who assisted his brother in the murder.
Ben-Zion Netanyahu was Cynical about Peace in Middle East
On Yom Ha’atzmaut, the Jewish State is Flourishing
A video retrospective of Israel's first 64 years
Couple had no money for wedding so friends opened Facebook group to raise funds leading hundreds of virtual strangers to volunteer, contribute to create major celebration
Masa Brings 10,000 Jewish Young People to Israel Annually
The 19 year old sophomore sat on the exam table looking at the floor. A college student with obvious charm
In 1971, researchers set up a prison in the basement of Stanford University's Psychology Department. The idea was to
As I have tried to make abundantly clear the United States is the only country in the industrialized world that
Alright, that does it.Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Americans have been willing to do their part for
A study appeared in a journal titled “Obesity” which was reported by a group from the University of Colorado. In
Sixty-five years ago today, World War II officially came to an end. On September 2, 1945, Japanese Foreign Minister
Share This Story With Your Friends!
Friend's Name:
Friend's E-Mail:
(This information will not be displayed publicly)
Optional Message:
