Joint Management or Palestinian Authority: Egypt and Israel’s Ongoing Debate over Rafah Checkpoint

Negotiations with Egypt have been centered on the Rafah checkpoint, which is located on the Gaza Strip-Sinai Peninsula border. According to Egyptian sources speaking to Reuters, Israel presented a proposal for joint management of the checkpoint on May 15. However, Egypt’s official stance remains that the Palestinian Authority should control the checkpoint.

Israel has no intention of removing troops from the Rafah checkpoint, according to an Israeli official speaking anonymously. Meanwhile, reports from Hezbollah’s perspective suggest that Egypt has informed the US that any attempt to change the border situation with military force is unacceptable. This indicates that Egypt is unwilling to allow Israel to maintain control over the checkpoint indefinitely.

Since taking control of Rafah in 2007, Israel has halted the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza by Egypt. This move was taken in order to avoid signaling approval for a change in the status quo at the checkpoint. The situation continues to be a point of contention in negotiations between Egypt and Israel as they try to find a solution that meets both sides’ needs and respects international law.