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What is the World Desperately Trying to Conceal in Rafah?

Writer's picture: Sacha Roytman-DratwaSacha Roytman-Dratwa

Rafah, a city in the southern Gaza Strip, has recently become the focal point of Israel/Hamas war due to Israel's military operations and the subsequent reactions from the global community. Despite Israel's considerable efforts to minimize civilian casualties, the persistent global opposition to its actions raises a significant question: What is the world desperately trying to conceal in Rafah?


Reports from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and international intelligence agencies indicate that Hamas leaders are hiding in Rafah's underground tunnels, holding Israeli hostages. Additionally, the remnants of Hamas's command structure are believed to be there, along with a vast network of tunnels used to smuggle armaments from Egypt. These revelations suggest that the stakes in Rafah are extraordinarily high, involving not only strategic military objectives but also sensitive political dynamics that the international community might prefer to keep hidden.


Misuse of UNRWA Facilities by Hamas

One plausible hypothesis is the potential misuse of United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) facilities by Hamas for coordinating their terror activities. There have been longstanding allegations that Hamas exploits civilian infrastructure, including UN buildings, for military purposes. If Israeli operations were to uncover such activities, it would be a significant violation of international law and a severe blow to Hamas’s image. The international community’s reluctance to support these operations could stem from a fear of exposing these illegal activities, which would lead to intense scrutiny and condemnation.


Hostages in UN Buildings

Another disturbing possibility is that hostages are being held in UN buildings. If this were the case, their release could reveal the full extent of Hamas's brutality and the inhumane conditions these hostages have endured. Such revelations would not only damage Hamas's reputation but also shift global perception and policy regarding the group. The presence of hostages in such facilities would implicate the UN in failing to safeguard its premises from being used for nefarious purposes.





Revealing the Extent of Hamas’s Atrocities

The potential release of hostages and subsequent testimonies could expose the true extent of Hamas's atrocities. Freed captives could provide firsthand accounts of the human rights abuses they experienced, which would spark global outrage and weaken Hamas's support base. This exposure could lead to a significant reevaluation of the international community’s stance on Hamas and the broader conflict in Gaza.




Egypt’s Role in Hamas’s Growth

Another critical angle to consider is the potential role of Egypt in Hamas's growth. Israel’s operations in Rafah could uncover evidence of how Egypt has allowed Hamas to thrive, whether through direct support or tacit complicity. Such revelations would have far-reaching implications, affecting Egypt's diplomatic relations and its role in regional geopolitics. Discovering any form of Egyptian involvement in Hamas's activities would lead to significant diplomatic fallout and a reevaluation of Egypt's position in the international community.



Preservation of Hamas for Strategic Reasons

There is also the argument that certain global actors might have a vested interest in maintaining Hamas’s power. Hamas's continued existence ensures the perpetuation of a specific narrative: Gaza as a perpetual victim of Israeli policies. This narrative is instrumental for various political campaigns and agendas against Israel. By maintaining the status quo, these actors can continue to leverage the humanitarian crisis in Gaza to apply pressure on Israel and shape international opinion. The removal of Hamas could disrupt this narrative, leading to a potential shift in the balance of power and influence in the region.


Sensitive Strategic Discoveries

Furthermore, there is a concern that Israeli operations in Rafah might uncover sensitive strategic information that various international actors would prefer to keep hidden. This could include evidence of broader complicity in enabling Hamas’s activities, potentially involving state actors or international organizations. The exposure of such information could lead to significant political and diplomatic repercussions, which many would rather avoid. The fear of such discoveries might be driving the persistent pushback against Israel’s actions in Rafah.


To conclude: The relentless opposition to Israel’s operations in Rafah, despite its efforts to avoid civilian casualties and the evacuation of much of Rafah’s civilian population, suggests that there are deeper, underlying concerns at play. Whether it is the misuse of UN facilities, the plight of hostages, the exposure of atrocities, Egypt’s involvement, the strategic preservation of Hamas, or potential sensitive discoveries, the stakes are undeniably high.


The world’s desperate attempts to conceal what lies in Rafah and I want to know why!


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