Construction Begins on Enigmatic Wall
Egypt has initiated the construction of an enigmatic wall near its border with Gaza, as reported by CNN and The New York Times. Satellite images captured by Maxar Technologies reveal the bulldozing of a large section of land and the erection of a wall within the Egypt and Rafah buffer zone.
Purpose Remains Unclear
The purpose of this wall remains undisclosed, prompting speculation about its intended use. One possibility, proposed by The Times, is that it may serve as a deterrent for Palestinians attempting to cross the border. This would signify a significant shift in the Egyptian government's stance on accepting Palestinian refugees.
Government Refuses to Disclose Details
When approached for comment, the Egyptian government declined to provide any information regarding the construction. Instead, they referred to previous statements regarding border fortification. The government's silence has only fueled curiosity about the wall's purpose.
Increased Border Security Due to Anticipated Israeli Attacks
CNN reported that Egyptian security officials have confirmed heightened border security measures in anticipation of potential Israeli attacks in Rafah. With around 1.4 million Palestinians seeking shelter in the area, the increased security aims to protect the vulnerable population.
Construction Details
According to an unnamed contractor and engineer working on the project, the Egyptian army is overseeing and ordering the construction. The wall, which is slated to be five meters high (approximately 16 feet), will enclose a five-square-kilometer plot of land. Construction began on February 5, with progress made as of Tuesday.
Contingency Plan or Misinformation?
Reuters reported that a desert area on the border is being prepared as a contingency plan for Palestinians, but the head of Egypt's State Information Service denied this claim. The purpose of this project, alongside the newly constructed wall, remains shrouded in mystery.
In conclusion, Egypt's construction of a wall near the Gaza border has raised many questions. With the government's refusal to disclose details and the speculation surrounding its use, the purpose of this wall remains a mystery. As the situation develops, further insights may emerge, shedding light on this enigmatic project.—————————————————————————————————————————————
By: mfriel@businessinsider.com (Mikhaila Friel)
Title: Egypt Building Mysterious Wall near Gaza Border
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/egypt-building-giant-wall-gaza-border-report-israel-2024-2
Published Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2024 15:37:51 +0000
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