EGYPT'S prompt and unlimited opening of the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza until further notice, in reaction to Israel's attack on a Gaza-bound flotilla carrying humanitarian aid, was quite satisfactory to both Egyptians and Gazans. The Israeli blockade that has been imposed on the Gaza Strip for more than three years has been suffocating for the Palestinians. Egypt has opened the crossing occasionally to allow the passage of medical aid, patients, students and relief aid, but there has always been the desire on the part of Gazans and most Egyptians that it remains permanently open, to ease the burden on Gaza's impoverished residents, especially after the devastating Israeli assault of late 2008 and early 2009. Egypt was perhaps prompted to close the crossing as a measure to protect its sovereignty against possible transgressions from the Hamas-run Gaza Strip. However, the result of the closure was the building of hundreds of tunnels where goods and persons were smuggled in both directions. Considering Israel's shameless defiance of the international calls for it to end its siege of Gaza, Egypt has to consider the possibility of keeping the crossing permanently open. This would not only help alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza, but would also counteract Israel's malpractices. We owe the Palestinians, as our Arab brothers, all the support we can give them. There has been a suggestion to turn this border crossing area into a free trade zone whereby both sides would benefit. Why does Egypt not consider such non-traditional ideas to break the blockade and allow the Gazans more breathing space?
