Context:

Recently, Israel’s special forces raided Gaza’s Rafah, releasing two hostages.

Rafah City: Location, History & Geo-Politics

Rafah, a city nestled in the southern reaches of the Gaza Strip, holds a pivotal role in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant organization Hamas. It is Situated close to the border with Egypt. It has been in spotlight due to its strategic location, historical significance, and the harsh realities faced by its inhabitants since the start of the Israel-Hamas Conflict.

Rafah City: Historical Significance

• 1967 War: Israel gains control of Gaza Strip, including Rafah City.
• Geopolitical Dynamics: Shaped by conflicts and peace agreements
  • Impact: Region bears brunt of violence and displacement

Rafah City Location and Connectivity

• Location: Southern reaches of the Gaza Strip
• Border: Shares border with Egypt
  • Importance: Crucial point of connection
• Crossing: Rafah border crossing facilitates movement of goods and people
• Proximity to Egypt: Access to Mediterranean Sea
• Border Crossing: Critical gateway for trade and military operations
  • Flashpoint: Potential for conflict between Israeli forces and militants
• Population: Over 1.4 million, densely populated
• Challenges: Limited resources amidst conflict
  • Resilience: Community strives to survive despite challenges

Rafah Crossing or Rafah Border

• Only Southern Exit: It’s the southernmost post of exit from Gaza and borders Egypt’s Sinai peninsula.
  • Other two border crossings from and into the Gaza Strip:
  • Erez: A crossing into Israel in northern Gaza, which is for people.
  • Kerem Shalom: A solely commercial goods junction with Israel in southern Gaza.
• Aid Crossing Point: Rafah is now also the only crossing point for humanitarian aid.
• Controlling Authority: Hamas and Egypt exercise control over who can pass through, but operations have been disrupted since Israel began conducting waves of air strikes on Gaza in retaliation for Hamas’s assault.

History Of Closing Rafah Crossings 

• Hamas Control: Israel and Egypt have restricted the movement of goods and people in and out of Gaza since Hamas took control of the territory in 2007. 
• Security Concern: Egypt and Israel say that the blockade is needed for security reasons.
• Refugee Influx Concern: Meanwhile Egypt fears a massive influx of Palestinian refugees fleeing the war.
• Militant Concern: There is a possibility of Islamist militants coming into the country, having faced a jihadist insurgency in Sinai for almost a decade.

Conclusion

Rafah stands as a symbol of resilience amidst adversity, a city caught in the crossfire of competing interests and historical grievances. 

Its strategic location, historical significance, and vibrant community underscore the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the urgent need for a lasting and equitable resolution.