The director of an Israeli research centre has said that the steel wall currently being built by Egypt along its border with the Gaza Strip is an example of the services that the Egyptian regime presents to Israel. Professor Yoram Meital, Head of the Herzog Centre for Middle East Studies and Diplomacy at Ben Gurion University added that he understands that targeting Hamas is a common goal between Israel and Egypt. The wall is being built in order to cut off the tunnels which have been described as “the lifeline” for the people of Gaza through which basic essentials like food, fuel and medicines are brought in to the territory in defiance of the immoral siege imposed by Israel.
In an article for Haaretz newspaper, Prof. Meital wrote about the wall being part of the high level of cooperation between the Egyptian and Israeli governments, both of which view Hamas as a “terrorist” organisation that should be eradicated, by force if necessary.
Prof. Meital added that the wall’s construction and regular closures of the Rafah crossing into Gaza are Egypt’s response to Israeli and US demands that it stops “smuggling” from Sinai. The Egyptians also fear, he believes, an influx of Palestinians into Egypt in the event of a future Israeli attack or an escalation of the humanitarian catastrophe engulfing the people of Gaza. Hosni Mubarak and his ministers are also hoping to avoid having to give away some areas of Sinai as part of the deal for a future Palestinian state.