Egypt building buffer zone to possibly receive Palestinian refugees: Report

A report by the rights group Sinai Foundation for Human Rights said that construction is currently underway to create a security zone with Gaza, which would act as a buffer area that could receive Palestinian refugees if they are forced out of Rafah.

The group said, citing local contractors, that the aim is to create an area in the Sinai peninsula that is surrounded by walls that are seven metres high. The reported plans would also pave over the destroyed homes of indigenous groups in the area.

Middle East Eye could not independently verify the report.

Earlier this month, Egyptian journalist Ahmed El-Madhoun posted a video online that showed workers strengthening the security wall separating Egypt and Gaza.

Since the war in Gaza began in October, there have been several Israeli proposals reported in the media detailing plans to push Gaza's Palestinian residents into Egypt, which Cairo has rejected.