Alex Fishman has an interesting op-ed about how the opening of the Rafah crossing now makes Gaza Egypt’s problem.
Meanwhile, the fact that Egypt is opening the crossing in an orderly manner implies a de facto declaration of taking responsibility for the Gaza population. Israel, which is currently facing a global de-legitimization offensive over the blockade, can tell the nations of the world that there is no longer a blockade in place. The sense of being choked up no longer exists for Gaza residents – they can come and go into Egypt as they please.
The address for complaints shifted from Israel to Egypt. With the Rafah Crossing open, the hospitals of el-Arish will turn into the address for humanitarian assistant to Gazans.
The Egyptian decision is also supposed to neutralize the next Gaza flotilla.
That assumes that the world is reasonable when it comes to Israel. It is not. The media and Europeans and activists all still use the word “occupation” when describing Gaza, even though there is only one Israeli in Gaza currently, and he is imprisoned there.
I think it’s more likely that the international idiots will continue to protest because Israel doesn’t let Gazans or goods come and go freely into Israel. The AP regularly uses that very thing in its boilerplates about Gaza.
Israel, which controls Gaza’s cargo crossings, allows most consumer goods into Gaza, but still restricts exports as well as the entry of much-needed construction materials, saying they could be used by militants. Israel also enforces a naval blockade aimed at weapons smuggling.
The new Gaza flotilla is still heading for Israel, and gee, doesn’t this sound encouraging:
The spokesman declared they will act peacefully, adding “we only hope the Israeli side acts the same.”
Earlier this week, IHH head Bulent Yildirim said, “Even if we sacrifice shahids (martyrs) for this cause, we will be on the side of justice.”
The more I think about it, though, the more surprised I will be if Israel doesn’t have a Mossad agent or three in the flotilla, probably also on the Marvelous Mimeograph. Israel was caught by surprise last time. Israel learns quickly. I seriously doubt the IDF will be getting onboard the ships the same way twice. Expect tear gas grenades, flash grenades and other riot control devices if the IHH thinks they’re going to get away with even more next time.
The world did not condemn the IHH “activists” for attacking the IDF. The world condemned Israel for attacking a ship of “protestors” in international waters. There will be exactly the same reaction next time, even as the IDF releases video showing the IHH attacking first.
Watch for it.