Opinion: Can Egypt stop Israel from invading Rafah?

In a column for Middle East Eye, analyst Ahmed Abdeen examines the challenges faced by Egypt in preventing an influx of Palestinian refugees into the Sinai region. 

He writes: "With its options seemingly exhausted, Cairo’s only remaining course of action to prevent the Rafah operation has been to push for a prisoner exchange deal, aiming to prevent or delay the invasion for as long as possible, while hoping the balance of power may shift in Tel Aviv or Washington.

At the same time, Cairo is preparing for the possibility that Israel will move ahead with the Rafah invasion - and for the consequent mass displacement of Palestinians. Contingency plans are being drawn up, such as providing camps that can be controlled and monitored, intensifying the local security presence and ensuring full control over the entrances and exits into northern Sinai.

In short, Cairo sees the Rafah invasion as a nightmare for its security and future stability."

You can read the full column below. 

Opinion: Can Egypt stop Israel from invading Rafah?