Egypt has constructed a massive walled area along its border with the Gaza strip — but satellite pictures are the only reason the rest of the world knows it exists.
The so-called “security zone” has sparked speculation, with authorities remaining tight-lipped about its purpose.
Building work was first reported in February 2024 — but eight months on, little is known about whether it has been used or what for.
The official Egypt–Gaza border stretches about nine miles with a 100 metre buffer zone.
The narrow strip of land is known as the Philadelphi Corridor and the only official crossing between the two regions is through Rafah, which Israel took over as part of an unprecedented blitz in its war with Hamas in May.
In early 2024, satellite images revealed Egypt had built a separate, seven metre high wall along the Sheikh Zuweid-Rafah road in Sinai, 3.5 kilometres west of the Gaza border.
The London-based Sinai Foundation for Human Rights released footage showing cranes lifting concrete barriers in place.
At the time, some experts suggested the construction had been erected in anticipation of a potential mass exodus of Palestinians ahead of the Rafah offfensive.
But Egypt – which has allowed only small numbers of Palestinians into the country since Israel invaded Gaza in October 2023 – publicly denied these claims.
Officials stated the walled area was for a “logistical hub” for aid, despite aid workers in the region expressing scepticism when asked by the BBC.
According to Africa News, Egypt has not officially recognised the work. Government officials also remained silent when they were asked to comment.
Despite it being unclear what the new zone is for, a dispute between Egypt and Israel over the Egypt–Gaza has continued to grow.
The relationship between the two countries remains a “cold peace” but things were soured by the death of an Egyptian soldier near Rafah in May.
That month, Israeli forces seized control of the Philadelphi Corridor. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has since said he intends to remain in control of the land and made this a key demand in any Gaza ceasefire deal.
This is something Egypt says it cannot accept. In September, the country’s foreign minister said it would not agree to any security changes that were not in place before the Israel-Hamas war.
“Egypt reiterates its position, it rejects any military presence along the opposite side of the border crossing and the aforementioned corridor,” Badr Abdelatty told a press conference in Cairo with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
