Rafah: A City at the Crossroads of Empires
Rafah, a historical gateway between empires, has witnessed the passage of conquerors throughout the ages. Most recently, on May 7, Israeli army tanks seized the border crossing with Egypt, adding another chapter to its turbulent history. Since 1948, Rafah has played a pivotal role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
1906: Ottoman Palestine meets British-ruled Egypt
In 1906, a border agreement was signed between the Ottoman province of Palestine and British-ruled Egypt, running through Rafah. Despite being divided on paper, the Bedouin tribes continued to traverse the border freely, highlighting its artificial nature.
1948: Nasserite Egypt and the Gaza Strip
During the Arab-Israeli war of 1948, Rafah served as a crossing point for Egyptian troops. The resulting armistice created the Gaza Strip, under the administration of Egypt. Rafah became a crucial passage for Cairo’s governors.
1967: Six-Day War and Israeli Occupation
In 1967, during the Six-Day War, Israel swiftly took control of the southern Gaza Strip, including Rafah. This marked a landmark moment between two occupied territories as Israel expanded its foothold in the region.
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