A high-ranking Egyptian source confirmed that Egypt is closely following the situation in Rafah and is prepared to deal with all anticipated scenarios, the Cairo News Channel reported on Monday.
The Chairman of State Information Service Dia Rashwan earlier said during a televised phone call to the “Kalema Akhera” (The last word) program on Monday, that Egypt plays an indispensable role in the Palestinian crisis – and has the means to defend itself.
If its national security is threatened or the Palestinian cause is liquidated, Rashwan added that Egypt will do more than just withdraw its ambassador.
Souring relations
Egyptian-Israeli relations are going through their most difficult stage in their history as a result of Israel’s brutal aggression in Gaza Strip in addition to the false, hostile allegations from the Israeli government before the International Court of Justice, in a failed attempt to blame negligence on Egypt’s side in bringing aid and relief to Gaza through the Rafah crossing.
Back in January, The Wall Street Journal reported reported that Cairo had seriously considered withdrawing its ambassador from Tel Aviv, and that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi rejected several attempts by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to talk to him.
It quoted Egyptian officials at the time as saying that Cairo has also warned Israel against any attacks on the Philadelphia Corridor and the displacement of Palestinians.
Rafah under attack
The Israeli occupation army on Monday launched a series of raids on the city of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip, from where about 1.4 million Palestinians fled to from other areas, after international warnings of the risk of a humanitarian catastrophe in the city.
According to the Palestinian Wafa News Agency citing health sources in Rafah, Israeli’s raids have killed more than 100 Palestinians, including children and women, and wounded hundreds of others.
Israeli planes, tanks and ships participated in the attacks, and two mosques and several homes were hit according to residents.
