Satellite images, on Wednesday (21/2), showed an area that sources said Egypt was preparing near the Gaza border. It could accommodate Palestinians if an Israeli attack on Rafah triggers an exodus across the border.
Egypt, which denies making any such preparations, has repeatedly warned of the possibility that a devastating Israeli offensive on Gaza would force Palestinians to flee to the Sinai – a condition Egypt considers completely unacceptable. These concerns are similar to warnings conveyed by Arab countries such as Jordan.
The US has repeatedly said it would oppose moving Palestinians out of Gaza.
Israel said it would launch an offensive to destroy Hamas's “last stronghold” in Rafah, where more than a million Palestinians have taken refuge from Israel's devastating assault on Gaza.
Satellite images also showed long lines of trucks parked on the Egyptian side of the border, while the UN on Wednesday said aid from Egypt had almost run out in the past two weeks.
According to UN data, from February 9-20, the daily average fell to just 57 trucks. On seven of the 12 days, fewer than 20 trucks made it through, including just four on February 17.
Shipping via the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza has almost completely stopped, the UN said. (ka/hour)