In Gaza war, Egypt taking hard line over border [Israel and Hamas]

The a Times of Israel ^ | Friday,a July 25, 2014 | Lee Keith and Maggie Michael

[Star Traveler]

Vilification of Hamas in Cairo has only increased since Operation Protective Edge erupted.

CAIRO (AP) — In the Gaza war now in its third bloody week, Hamas’ battle isn’t only with Israel, even though that’s the country it is firing rockets at. The terrorist group that rules Gaza is demanding Egypt open its border with the tiny, blockaded strip of territory

Even as it presents itself as a mediator in the conflict, Egypt is taking a hard line, refusing any opening that would strengthen Hamas, a group it accuses of fueling militancy on its soil.

And so far, the Egyptian public has largely gone along.

But as civilian casualties rise in Gaza, Egypt’s government runs the risk that Egyptians will blame it for not making concessions that could stop the bloodshed.

Still, authorities in Cairo have insisted they won’t bend. Foreign Minister Sameh Shukri called Rafah a “red line,” warning against pressuring Egypt on the issue.

Both Israel and Egypt have enforced a crippling, years-long blockade of Gaza. Israel also faces demands to open its crossings, which are vital to reviving the strip’s economy, but it is likely to resist doing so.

For its part, Egypt has made it clear it won’t open the border unless the Gaza side is run by Hamas’ rival, President Mahmoud Abbas’ Palestinian Authority.

[Star Traveler]

Egypt and Israel are BOTH hitting Hamas hard. They both have the common enemy of a Hamas!

[DaveA37]

Keep the Egyptian border closed to Hamas and let Israel run the Pali’s into the sea. The Pali’s have been wanting war for years with their constant rockets attacks, now they will/must pay the price for their actions.

[bert]

I think of a lagal phrase of art...... wither on the vine.

Although the IDF is actively attempting to root out the aggressive rockets and tunnels, it seems the ultimate Hamas demise will be from withering on the vine. The Egyptian blockade will choke the life out of Gaza

[Jack Hydrazine]

The Islamic terrorism will never end until Islam comes to an end.

[SJackson]

Middle East and terrorism, occasional political and Jewish issues Ping List. High Volume If you’d like to be on or off, please FR mail me.

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Related threads

Hamas has been looking for allies, so far in vain [Israel]

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Star Traveler