Rafah Crossing

• 19 Oct 2023

Source: IE

Why in News?

The Rafah border crossing in southern Gaza has gained global attention as Palestinians are attempting to leave Gaza in anticipation of a possible Israeli attack as part of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

What is Rafah Crossing?

• About:
  • The Rafah crossing is the southernmost exit point from the Gaza Strip, and it shares a border with Egypt's Sinai Peninsula.
    • The crossing is controlled by Egypt.
  • It is the only exit that does not lead to Israeli territory.
  • There are only two other border crossings in and out of Gaza:
    • Erez is located in the north and is used by people in Israel.
    • Kerem Shalom, in the south, which is exclusively for commercial goods.
      • Both Erez and Kerem Shalom controlled by Israel are currently closed.
• Importance:
  • The Rafah crossing gained heightened importance after Hamas's assault on the Erez crossing, resulting in over 1,300 casualties in southern Israel.
    • In response, Israel closed both Erez and Kerem Shalom indefinitely, leaving the Rafah border as the sole means of entry and exit for Gaza's people and the only crossing for humanitarian aid.

Egypt's Sinai Peninsula

• The Sinai Peninsula is a triangle-shaped peninsula in Egypt. It's located in the northeastern part of the country.
• The peninsula is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Red Sea to the south, and the Gulf of Aqaba to the east.
• The peninsula includes the Suez Canal, which is a man-made waterway that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims

Q1. Yom Kippur War was fought between which sides/ countries? (2008)

(a) Turkey and Greece
(b) Serbs and Croats
(c) Israel, and Arab countries led by Egypt and Syria
(d) Iran and Iraq

Ans: (c)

Q2. The Mediterranean Sea is a border of which of the following countries? (2017)

1. Jordan
2. Iraq
3. Lebanon
4. Syria

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only

Ans: (c)

Q3. Which one of the following countries of South-West Asia does not open out to the Mediterranean Sea? (2015)

(a) Syria
(b) Jordan
(c) Lebanon
(d) Israel

Ans: (b)