Egyptian Unrest Rattles Rafah Palestinians
Regular clashes between the Egyptian army and militants on Gaza's border are terrifying Palestinian residents in Rafah.
RAFAH, Gaza Strip — A few dozen meters from the Palestinian section of Rafah, clashes continue between the Egyptian army and police and unidentified gunmen.
That small distance separating the two Rafahs is overwhelmed by the sound of bullets being exchanged between the two sides, causing fear and panic among the population of the town located on Gaza’s southern border.
Ever since the Egyptian army dismissed President Mohammed Morsi on July 3, the Egyptian part of Rafah has seen clashes and explosions accompanied by military movements in the Sinai along the Egyptian border.
That scene repeats itself daily. The constant low-flying Egyptian helicopters have reminded local Palestinians of the recent Israeli war on Gaza 2012, and of the Israeli bombing of houses near the border before Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005.
