Egyptian Engineers Survey Gaza Ruins for Green Rafah Housing Under Israeli Supervision
Egyptian construction companies have conducted site surveys in the devastated southern Gaza Strip for a residential development known as "Green Rafah," according to Egyptian sources speaking to Middle East Eye. The assessment involved engineers examining multiple locations within eastern Rafah, an area that was previously home to approximately 250,000 Palestinians before the current conflict. These individuals are now largely displaced following widespread destruction of infrastructure in the governorate.
A senior military source stationed in Egypt's North Sinai province confirmed the details of the operation to the publication. According to this official, the surveying activities took place under the direct supervision of the Israeli army and air force. Israeli military units accompanied the Egyptian engineers throughout the entire process, ensuring oversight until the team departed from the besieged Palestinian enclave. The presence of Israeli forces during these technical assessments indicates a coordinated approach to the planning phase of the proposed housing initiative.
Rafah historically functioned as a bustling hub characterized by active local markets, dense refugee camps, and surrounding green spaces. However, since Israel launched its military campaign against the territory, the landscape has undergone drastic changes. Israeli forces have demolished at least 80 percent of the buildings in the governorate, rendering nearly all former residents homeless. The scale of destruction has transformed what was once a populated urban center into a zone of ruins, setting the stage for potential reconstruction efforts or new settlement plans.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on authorized media communication, outlined the initial scope of the "Green Rafah" project. The proposed neighborhood is designed to initially house around 20,000 Palestinians. This figure represents a fraction of the pre-war population but marks a significant step in any resettlement strategy. The plan involves not only physical construction but also a security framework managed by international actors.
According to the source, the housing project would be supervised by a multinational force. This security arrangement is expected to be deployed across several parts of the Gaza Strip. The deployment aligns with provisions outlined in the Sharm el-Sheikh peace agreement. The reference to this agreement suggests that the housing initiative is part of a broader diplomatic and security framework aimed at stabilizing the region. The involvement of a multinational force implies an attempt to introduce external oversight to the governance and safety of the new residential areas.
The confirmation of Egyptian engineering teams operating within Gaza under Israeli military escort highlights the complex dynamics of post-conflict planning in the region. While the humanitarian situation remains dire with widespread homelessness, the logistical preparations for new housing developments are proceeding. The "Green Rafah" project, as described by the military source, represents one of the first concrete steps toward rebuilding specific sectors of Rafah. The supervision by both Israeli forces and a future multinational contingent underscores the international attention focused on the reconstruction and security of the southern Gaza Strip.
This report was produced in the Europe Brief News newsroom.
