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Although senior Israeli political and military officials denied the intention to displace the residents of the Gaza Strip to Sinai, the Wall Street Journal claimed that Egypt is establishing a buffer zone surrounded by concrete walls in Sinai, near the border with the Gaza Strip, in anticipation of a possible large influx of displaced Palestinians.

This news comes despite the Egyptian authorities repeatedly confirming their refusal to displace the Palestinian people to their lands under any circumstances. Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry stated, “It is not our intention to provide any safe areas or facilities, but necessarily if this is the case in any situation, we will deal with the humanitarian necessity.” We will provide support to innocent civilians if this happens."

With Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intending to carry out a military operation in Rafah - where more than 1,400,000 people have been displaced - the odds are that most of the Palestinians will flee to escape killing, war and destruction... but where is the escape?

In its report, the Wall Street Journal quoted unidentified Egyptian officials confirming that the buffer zone established by Egypt has an area of ​​13 square kilometers and is only about 2.5 kilometers from the Rafah crossing.

Egyptian officials also revealed to the American newspaper that the buffer zone can accommodate more than 100,000 Palestinian refugees, and no one will be allowed to leave unless they decide to travel to another country.

On the other hand, The Washington Post spoke about this buffer zone, and published images obtained from satellites showing the effects of its inauguration. She said that she contacted Egyptian officials, but they refused to comment.

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), in turn, published other, clearer pictures of this area, showing mechanisms working to install concrete barriers around the area, and said, “Egypt decided to take precautionary measures as a result of the imminent Israeli attack in Rafah.”

Activists' comments and tweets

Reports about the establishment of a buffer zone in Sinai to shelter Gazans sparked many comments and tweets on social media, some of which were quoted in an episode (2/18/2024) of the “Shabakat” program.

For his part, Najeh does not see that there is a problem with the issue of the buffer zone, saying, “What is wrong with us building on our borders and on our land whatever we want as long as our security and borders are preserved?”

Al-Azzazi commented on the issue, saying, "It seems that our worst fears are about to happen. Perhaps the displacement of the people of Gaza to Sinai has become a matter of time and nothing more."

As for Muhammad, he asked about (its area) 13 square kilometers, how can it accommodate what 63 square kilometers of people contain? “While they say that Rafah has the largest crowding in the world? How is that possible?”

Amira wrote, "Israel learned its lesson from October 7 and will not let the people of Palestine breathe even fresh air without restrictions. Do not leave your land, people of Palestine. Be patient for a while."

Commenting on the buffer zone, Islam said, “We will prepare about 5,000 acres, and even trucks will park in it? This is an area equal to New Mansoura...or am I understanding wrong?”

It is noteworthy that the Governor of North Sinai, Major General Mohamed Abdel Fadil Shousha, said, “The armed forces are establishing a logistical area to collect trucks carrying humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip... to reduce the burden on drivers and the congestion on the roads.”

The official page of the Sinai Governorate published pictures that it said were of the inauguration of the logistical zone, which includes secured warehouses, administrative offices, and accommodation for drivers, in addition to being equipped with means of living and electricity.

Source: Al Jazeera