Riz Khan

Egypt’s Gaza crisis

Has Gaza’s humanitarian disaster become a political crisis for neighbouring Egypt?

Has Gaza’s humanitarian disaster become a political crisis for Egypt?

The only entry into Gaza not completely controlled by Israel is through the Rafah crossing along the Egyptian border.

Closed by Egypt in 2007, Hosni Mubarak, the Egyptian president, opened the crossing in the aftermath of the flotilla raid but only to those needing medical assistance or individuals possessing an Egyptian visa.

Supplies, like building materials, are not allowed to enter the Gaza Strip and remain in desperate need.

Egypt’s stance has caused many around the Arab world to accuse it of “collaborating” with Israel.

On Monday’s Riz Khan we will look at Egypt’s policies towards Gaza and whether or not its traditional leadership role is being eclipsed as a result.

Joining the programme from Cairo will be Maged Botros, a professor of political science and member of the ruling National Democratic Party, and Issandr El Amrani, an independent journalist.

Philip Rizk, a filmmaker and activist who has documented the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, will also join the show.

This episode of the Riz Khan show aired from Monday, July 28, 2010.