The border fence between the Gaza Strip and Egypt in Rafah, southern Gaza. EPA
The border fence between the Gaza Strip and Egypt in Rafah, southern Gaza. EPA
The border fence between the Gaza Strip and Egypt in Rafah, southern Gaza. EPA
The border fence between the Gaza Strip and Egypt in Rafah, southern Gaza. EPA

Gaza-Egypt border control dispute could shape the enclave's future


Robert Tollast
  • English
  • Arabic

Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza

There were conflicting reports this week that Israeli negotiators would allow the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the so-called Philadelphi corridor, known in Gaza as the Salah Al Din corridor, a narrow strip of land on Egypt’s border.

Created as part of a buffer zone following the 1979 Egypt-Israel peace accords, it passes through the devastated town of Rafah, widened in parts by Israelis during the current war through mass demolitions of housing. Israeli forces seized the Rafah crossing in May, closing one of the Strip’s key aid conduits and prompting international anger.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted on Monday that forces would remain in the narrow strip of land, which he characterised as critical for Hamas’s resupply, using underground tunnels.

"Netanyahu is interested solely in preserving his coalition. But to do that, he's squandered opportunities earlier in the conflict, for instance, to tie Israeli withdrawal from territories it held in Gaza with an entry of a multinational force into these territories," says Nir Arielli, a historian at the University of Leeds in the UK who has advocated a multinational peacekeeping force for Gaza.

A foreign contingent of peacekeepers is still being discussed according to the Israeli publication Haaretz, which claimed Israeli negotiators would allow a phased withdrawal, a plan endorsed by the US. Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer said on Wednesday a withdrawal would occur if a "practical solution on the ground" was found - a new security arrangement that would exclude Hamas.

Palestinians flee Rafah in a truck after Israeli forces launched a ground and air operation in the city in May. Reuters
Palestinians flee Rafah in a truck after Israeli forces launched a ground and air operation in the city in May. Reuters

Some reports suggest a multinational force could take their place. Its exact role and composition, and whether they would be armed peacekeepers or civilian monitors, is unclear.

A lot is at stake. Rafah, and nearby Kerem Abu Salem, known as Kerem Shalom to Israelis, are key transit points for aid and potential reconstruction material. Egypt strongly opposes occupying Israeli forces on their border – a once bitterly contested area in the Arab-Israeli wars.

On Thursday, Egypt's army chief of staff Lieutenant General Ahmed Fathy Khalifa was shown on state TV visiting forces in the area. Egyptian troops "are capable of defending the nation's borders generation after generation", he said.

EU returning to Rafah?

One significant development might be the redeployment of an EUBAM, or European Union Border Assistance Mission. Josep Borell, Vice President of the European Commission, said in May that “the political green light to reactivate EUBAM, our mission in Rafah”, had been given.

"But this has to be done in accordance with the Palestinian Authority, the Egyptians, and obviously Israel. We are not going to be the outsourcers of the security in the border. We are not a security company.”

EUBAM operated in Gaza as a civilian organisation with a small security contingent – originally 70 people in total, between 2005 and 2007, until the enclave was taken over by Hamas following a violent battle with the Palestinian Authority after contested elections. It then continued limited operations for another decade, working with the PA on a limited basis, from offices in Israel and Gaza City.

Mr Borell implies it would face serious challenges in returning unaided amid continuing violence and also political threats.

Those include Israelis taking an extremely hard line on Gaza’s future. On Thursday, Amnesty International again accused Israel of war crimes because of its razing of neighbourhoods across eastern Gaza to expand a buffer zone. Hamas, meanwhile, wishes to retain a key role in postwar Gaza.

“EUBAM was not based in Rafah and had a remote observing station in Kerem Shalom, and in that station, there were Israeli officials and Palestinian Authority officials, but EUBAM was the nominal overseer. And they only had real-time inspections on the movement of people and baggage through Rafah,” says David Harden, managing director of the Georgetown Group and former USAID mission director.

At Kerem Shalom, EUBAM was able to monitor people transiting Rafah remotely through a live camera feed.

In its short existence, the organisation helped nearly 500,000 Palestinians transit through Rafah, reprising a slimmed-down role aimed at preparing potential Palestinian Authority border control in 2015.

“The Palestinian Authority were at the actual border terminal, checking passports and bags and they’d run those names of people singled out for checks through a terrorism screening cell. It didn’t involve checking cargo or contraband. It was just to make sure no weapons were coming in. It was only above ground in limited terminal space. The real challenge now is the tunnels can be 65 metres deep and surface-level monitoring would be irrelevant,” he says.

During its 19 months of operation on the ground, Israel retained veto powers over its decisions, including who could transit the border.

A Palestinian security officer opens a gate to the Philadelphi corridor between Egypt and Gaza in 2007. AP
A Palestinian security officer opens a gate to the Philadelphi corridor between Egypt and Gaza in 2007. AP

Mr Harden says it could be possible to limit a larger force to a small geographic area on the border, but with a degree of flexibility built into the mission.

“There may be some allowable zone they can enter on a limited basis and then return to a core zone. So, what are the choices? The Israelis control it, Hamas controls it, Egyptians and PA or a multinational force controls it. The US can’t do it, but it doesn’t mean we should not contribute.”

Rebuilding Gaza

Mr Harden’s reference to the PA importance in any deal chimes with EUBAM’s post-2015 aim of “supporting the relevant Palestinian Border Authorities in enhancing their capacity to redeploy at the Rafah Crossing Point once political and security conditions allow.”

“The options are the Palestinian Authority is embedded or is tangential or a partner and not embedded. And that is fine because reliance is not on the Palestinian Authority. And for the most part, the Israelis have valued Palestinian Authority security efforts in the West Bank. The PA component of this doesn’t strike me as a non-starter, it’s solvable,” Mr Harden says.

Mr Arielli agrees. An advocate for a multinational force in Gaza, he emphasises that such a force should be part of an ambitious reconstruction and peacekeeping operation, rather than confined to the border. “This is the least bad option available. Of course, we need Palestinian endorsement and Palestinian engagement with planning and execution of deployment. Without it, the mission will lack legitimacy,” he says.

He warns that any plan aside from an Israeli force would face stiff opposition in Israel. “There has been the refusal of Netanyahu to participate in any planning for the day after, consistent refusal to engage with any sort of longer-term solutions. Obviously his far-right coalition partners want to see an Israeli reconquest of Gaza, establishment of Jewish settlements there."

Mr Arielli says that a small force in Gaza risks “mission creep” – a chaotic expansion of operations as new crises emerge – which has historically affected military operations from peacekeeping to war. A UN aid mission in Somalia in the early 1990s which led to US forces battling militiamen in Mogadishu is one famous example.

“There has to be a large commitment, by regional powers, by the European powers and by the Americans as well, to reconstruct and revive Gaza after what has been a horrific nearly year of suffering there. And this could also send a clear message to communities on the Israeli side of the border that we're not going back to managing the conflict. This is going to be something different, something better.”

In Israel, some security officials say whomever monitors the border would struggle without a significant commitment of forces, even with modern security cameras and movement sensors.

“Yes, there are some advanced technological means and there have been great advancements in this field. But this war proved, again, what even the most junior combat leaders know – an obstacle that isn't under physical control will not serve its purpose. Would the sensor and other means be able to detect some of the action? For sure. Would some precision air strikes or other means be able to disrupt them? Yes,” says one veteran officer who chose to remain anonymous.

“Would it be as effective as physical control over the Philadelphi and Rafah border crossing? Not nearly. This is without even accounting for regular maintenance that will be required for any technological means that would be deployed there and would require direct and regular physical access,” he says.

 

 

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How Filipinos in the UAE invest

A recent survey of 10,000 Filipino expatriates in the UAE found that 82 per cent have plans to invest, primarily in property. This is significantly higher than the 2014 poll showing only two out of 10 Filipinos planned to invest.

Fifty-five percent said they plan to invest in property, according to the poll conducted by the New Perspective Media Group, organiser of the Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition. Acquiring a franchised business or starting up a small business was preferred by 25 per cent and 15 per cent said they will invest in mutual funds. The rest said they are keen to invest in insurance (3 per cent) and gold (2 per cent).

Of the 5,500 respondents who preferred property as their primary investment, 54 per cent said they plan to make the purchase within the next year. Manila was the top location, preferred by 53 per cent.

The biog

Born: High Wycombe, England

Favourite vehicle: One with solid axels

Favourite camping spot: Anywhere I can get to.

Favourite road trip: My first trip to Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan. The desert they have over there is different and the language made it a bit more challenging.

Favourite spot in the UAE: Al Dhafra. It’s unique, natural, inaccessible, unspoilt.

England Test squad

Joe Root (captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow (wicketkeeper), Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Alastair Cook, Sam Curran, Keaton Jennings, Dawid Malan, Jamie Porter, Adil Rashid, Ben Stokes.

Titanium Escrow profile

Started: December 2016
Founder: Ibrahim Kamalmaz
Based: UAE
Sector: Finance / legal
Size: 3 employees, pre-revenue  
Stage: Early stage
Investors: Founder's friends and Family

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-finals, first leg
Liverpool v Roma

When: April 24, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Anfield, Liverpool
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome

RACE CARD

4pm Al Bastakiya – Listed (TB) $150,000 (Dirt) 1,900m

4.35pm Dubai City Of Gold – Group 2 (TB) $228,000 (Turf) 2,410m

5.10pm Mahab Al Shimaal – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (D) 1,200m

5.45pm Burj Nahaar – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (D) 1,600m

6.20pm Jebel Hatta – Group 1 (TB) $260,000 (T) 1,800m

6.55pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 1 (TB) $390,000 (D) 2,000m

7.30pm Nad Al Sheba – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (T) 1,200m

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha

Starring: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shantanu Maheshwari, Jimmy Shergill, Saiee Manjrekar

Director: Neeraj Pandey

Rating: 2.5/5

Asia Cup 2018 Qualifier

Sunday's results:

  • UAE beat Malaysia by eight wickets
  • Nepal beat Singapore by four wickets
  • Oman v Hong Kong, no result

Tuesday fixtures:

  • Malaysia v Singapore
  • UAE v Oman
  • Nepal v Hong Kong
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Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites

The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.

It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.

“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.

The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

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What is Folia?

Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal's new plant-based menu will launch at Four Seasons hotels in Dubai this November. A desire to cater to people looking for clean, healthy meals beyond green salad is what inspired Prince Khaled and American celebrity chef Matthew Kenney to create Folia. The word means "from the leaves" in Latin, and the exclusive menu offers fine plant-based cuisine across Four Seasons properties in Los Angeles, Bahrain and, soon, Dubai.

Kenney specialises in vegan cuisine and is the founder of Plant Food Wine and 20 other restaurants worldwide. "I’ve always appreciated Matthew’s work," says the Saudi royal. "He has a singular culinary talent and his approach to plant-based dining is prescient and unrivalled. I was a fan of his long before we established our professional relationship."

Folia first launched at The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills in July 2018. It is available at the poolside Cabana Restaurant and for in-room dining across the property, as well as in its private event space. The food is vibrant and colourful, full of fresh dishes such as the hearts of palm ceviche with California fruit, vegetables and edible flowers; green hearb tacos filled with roasted squash and king oyster barbacoa; and a savoury coconut cream pie with macadamia crust.

In March 2019, the Folia menu reached Gulf shores, as it was introduced at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, where it is served at the Bay View Lounge. Next, on Tuesday, November 1 – also known as World Vegan Day – it will come to the UAE, to the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach and the Four Seasons DIFC, both properties Prince Khaled has spent "considerable time at and love". 

There are also plans to take Folia to several more locations throughout the Middle East and Europe.

While health-conscious diners will be attracted to the concept, Prince Khaled is careful to stress Folia is "not meant for a specific subset of customers. It is meant for everyone who wants a culinary experience without the negative impact that eating out so often comes with."

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Silent Hill f

Publisher: Konami

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Rating: 4.5/5

Marathon results

Men:

 1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13 

2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50 

3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25 

4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46 

5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48  

Women:

1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30 

2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01 

3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30 

4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43 

5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01  

Four reasons global stock markets are falling right now

There are many factors worrying investors right now and triggering a rush out of stock markets. Here are four of the biggest:

1. Rising US interest rates

The US Federal Reserve has increased interest rates three times this year in a bid to prevent its buoyant economy from overheating. They now stand at between 2 and 2.25 per cent and markets are pencilling in three more rises next year.

Kim Catechis, manager of the Legg Mason Martin Currie Global Emerging Markets Fund, says US inflation is rising and the Fed will continue to raise rates in 2019. “With inflationary pressures growing, an increasing number of corporates are guiding profitability expectations downwards for 2018 and 2019, citing the negative impact of rising costs.”

At the same time as rates are rising, central bankers in the US and Europe have been ending quantitative easing, bringing the era of cheap money to an end.

2. Stronger dollar

High US rates have driven up the value of the dollar and bond yields, and this is putting pressure on emerging market countries that took advantage of low interest rates to run up trillions in dollar-denominated debt. They have also suffered capital outflows as international investors have switched to the US, driving markets lower. Omar Negyal, portfolio manager of the JP Morgan Global Emerging Markets Income Trust, says this looks like a buying opportunity. “Despite short-term volatility we remain positive about long-term prospects and profitability for emerging markets.” 

3. Global trade war

Ritu Vohora, investment director at fund manager M&G, says markets fear that US President Donald Trump’s spat with China will escalate into a full-blown global trade war, with both sides suffering. “The US economy is robust enough to absorb higher input costs now, but this may not be the case as tariffs escalate. However, with a host of factors hitting investor sentiment, this is becoming a stock picker’s market.”

4. Eurozone uncertainty

Europe faces two challenges right now in the shape of Brexit and the new populist government in eurozone member Italy.

Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, which has offices in Dubai, says the stand-off between between Rome and Brussels threatens to become much more serious. "As with Brexit, neither side appears willing to step back from the edge, threatening more trouble down the line.”

The European economy may also be slowing, Mr Beauchamp warns. “A four-year low in eurozone manufacturing confidence highlights the fact that producers see a bumpy road ahead, with US-EU trade talks remaining a major question-mark for exporters.”

Biography

Her family: She has four sons, aged 29, 27, 25 and 24 and is a grandmother-of-nine

Favourite book: Flashes of Thought by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid

Favourite drink: Water

Her hobbies: Reading and volunteer work

Favourite music: Classical music

Her motto: I don't wait, I initiate

 

 

 

 

 

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Company%20profile
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The%20specs
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Pupils in Abu Dhabi are learning the importance of being active, eating well and leading a healthy lifestyle now and throughout adulthood, thanks to a newly launched programme 'Healthy Lifestyle'.

As part of the Healthy Lifestyle programme, specially trained coaches from City Football Schools, along with Healthpoint physicians have visited schools throughout Abu Dhabi to give fun and interactive lessons on working out regularly, making the right food choices, getting enough sleep and staying hydrated, just like their favourite footballers.

Organised by Manchester City FC and Healthpoint, Manchester City FC’s regional healthcare partner and part of Mubadala’s healthcare network, the ‘Healthy Lifestyle’ programme will visit 15 schools, meeting around 1,000 youngsters over the next five months.

Designed to give pupils all the information they need to improve their diet and fitness habits at home, at school and as they grow up, coaches from City Football Schools will work alongside teachers to lead the youngsters through a series of fun, creative and educational classes as well as activities, including playing football and other games.

Dr Mai Ahmed Al Jaber, head of public health at Healthpoint, said: “The programme has different aspects - diet, exercise, sleep and mental well-being. By having a focus on each of those and delivering information in a way that children can absorb easily it can help to address childhood obesity."

ADCC AFC Women’s Champions League Group A fixtures

October 3: v Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC
October 6: v Hyundai Steel Red Angels Women’s FC
October 9: v Sabah FA

Salah in numbers

€39 million: Liverpool agreed a fee, including add-ons, in the region of 39m (nearly Dh176m) to sign Salah from Roma last year. The exchange rate at the time meant that cost the Reds £34.3m - a bargain given his performances since.

13: The 25-year-old player was not a complete stranger to the Premier League when he arrived at Liverpool this summer. However, during his previous stint at Chelsea, he made just 13 Premier League appearances, seven of which were off the bench, and scored only twice.

57: It was in the 57th minute of his Liverpool bow when Salah opened his account for the Reds in the 3-3 draw with Watford back in August. The Egyptian prodded the ball over the line from close range after latching onto Roberto Firmino's attempted lob.

7: Salah's best scoring streak of the season occurred between an FA Cup tie against West Brom on January 27 and a Premier League win over Newcastle on March 3. He scored for seven games running in all competitions and struck twice against Tottenham.

3: This season Salah became the first player in Premier League history to win the player of the month award three times during a term. He was voted as the division's best player in November, February and March.

40: Salah joined Roger Hunt and Ian Rush as the only players in Liverpool's history to have scored 40 times in a single season when he headed home against Bournemouth at Anfield earlier this month.

30: The goal against Bournemouth ensured the Egyptian achieved another milestone in becoming the first African player to score 30 times across one Premier League campaign.

8: As well as his fine form in England, Salah has also scored eight times in the tournament phase of this season's Champions League. Only Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, with 15 to his credit, has found the net more often in the group stages and knockout rounds of Europe's premier club competition.

Updated: September 07, 2024, 12:12 PM