Gaza crisis seen as enhancing Egypt’s regional clout
“Egypt… has a vested interest utilising its geographic proximity to Gaza to leverage its diplomatic power,” said Tareq Baconi, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group.
Tuesday 18/05/2021
Ambulances evacuate injured Palestinians to Egypt for treatment arrive at the Rafah border crossing with the neighbouring country, in the southern Gaza Strip, on May 17, 2021. (AFP)
CAIRO – Egypt is seeking to restore its regional role by mediating between Israel and Hamas to douse the week-long conflict in Gaza that has cost more than 200 lives.
In 2014, Egypt brokered a fragile ceasefire after a devastating weeks-long war between arch-foes Israel and Hamas, the Islamist group which rules the densely populated Palestinian enclave.