Gaza: Egypt tries to ease tensions between Hamas and Israel

Text by: RFI Follow

Fifteen rockets and mortar shells fired, balloon launches with explosives almost daily: since the publication of Donald Trump's plan to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, tension has increased between Israel and Hamas, in power in the Gaza Strip. During the election campaign, the Israeli Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense threaten strong reprisals. Punitive measures have already been taken. There is a risk of escalation, but Egypt is trying to maintain calm.

Publicity

Hassan Jaber and Guilhem Delteil report to Gaza

Osama Jaber, owner of a company that imports aluminum materials, needs to travel as part of his business. But his permit to leave the Palestinian enclave has been revoked by Israel.

" No one gave me reason. Even the Palestinian Ministry of Civil Affairs. And I am amazed. It had just been a week since they had granted me the permit and they canceled it, ”he says. According to the Israeli daily Haaretz , 500 Gazan traders are in the situation of Osama Jaber.

For Ghazi Hamad, Minister of Social Affairs of Gaza and one of the executives of Hamas, the Israeli restrictions are numerous ... and contrary to the cease-fire agreement. “ Hamas considers that the Israeli side is not respecting the agreement. From time to time, they put restrictions on. For example, they close the Kerem Abu Salem trade crossing point, sometimes they reduce the fishing area. It depends on their moods, "says Ghazi Hamad.

Hamas rejects responsibility for the tensions over Israel. But the movement is also under pressure from Egypt to avoid an escalation, notes Omar Chaabane, director of the think tank PalThink. On Monday February 10, an Egyptian intelligence delegation arrived in Gaza. “ The purpose of the visit is very clear. The message was that the rocket fire must stop, ”says Omar Chaabane.

It will take several days to measure the effects of this visit, but on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday, a rocket was still fired from the Gaza Strip.

Israel and Hamas need Egypt

Egypt did not appreciate the visit of the head of Hamas to Iran in early January and relations between the two sides have deteriorated. But for political scientist Omar Chaabane, Egypt cannot totally turn away from Gaza.

“ The Egyptians do not want an escalation. The relationship is not as good as it once was, but it will never end. Because each party needs the other. And Israel needs someone to mediate with Hamas. So Israel would not be happy either if the Egyptians decided to stop talking to Hamas, "said Omar Chaabane.

The role of Egypt is fundamental, recognizes Ghazi Hamad, one of the leaders of Hamas. But the visit of an Egyptian intelligence delegation on Monday was not very conclusive, he judges. “ The Egyptians from time to time either come to Gaza or telephone. They are trying to speak to both parties - the Israelis, the Palestinians - in an attempt to enforce the agreement and give it some form of guarantee. But so far, the situation has not been very stable, ”he said.

Hamas demands that Israel respect the measures to ease the blockade while the Israeli government demands complete calm. And during the electoral campaign in Israel, the guarantees that the Egyptian delegation was able to provide are limited.

Newsletter With the Daily Newsletter, find the headlines directly in your mailbox

Download the app

• Gaza
• Israel
• Benyamin netanyahu
• Mahmoud Abbas

On the same subject

Mahmoud Abbas at the UN: "We reject the Israeli-American plan"

Israel: Benjamin Netanyahu Hits West Bank Annexation Plan