The Border Charade Replays
CASE A: The Current Narrative – 'Reopening' and 'Limited Traffic' ABC News reports the Rafah crossing 'reopens for limited traffic,' implying a return to normalcy or a positive shift. The language suggests a temporary closure has ended, and humanitarian concerns are being addressed. This portrays the situation as dynamic and responsive, driven by immediate humanitarian needs and diplomatic
interventions. Such reports rarely delve into the historical context of the crossing's operational status or the political motivations behind its frequent closures and selective openings. CASE B: The Historical Reality – A Weaponized Bottleneck Since 2011 Which raises the question: reopens from what? Records show that the primary function of the Rafah crossing since the Egyptian-Israeli blockade
of Gaza intensified around 2011 has been as a pressure valve, not a reliable humanitarian conduit. It has historically been controlled and frequently closed by Egypt, often in coordination with Israel, to control the movement of people and goods into and out of Gaza (B'Tselem, 2017). This wasn't a sudden closure, but a consistent policy of restriction. For example, during significant escalations
like the 2014 Gaza War, the crossing would see similar 'limited traffic' announcements, carefully calibrated to manage international outcry while maintaining the blockade's integrity. Each 'reopening' is less about sustained access and more about managing public perception abroad. This pattern of intermittent access, often contingent on specific political agreements or the degree of international