Gaza-Sinai Tensions Limit Egypt-Hamas Cooperation
Tension between the Gaza Strip and the Sinai has prevented their respective governments from partaking in economic partnerships that could benefit both countries, writes Omar Shaban.
Egypt’s relationship with the Gaza Strip is governed by security apprehension on the one hand and fraternal Arab sympathy on the other. This has prevented any serious search for possible integration and cooperation opportunities in the economic and development fields between Palestine and Egypt.
Egypt's Sinai Peninsula and the Palestinian Gaza Strip could shift from a problematic issue in terms of the Egyptian-Palestinian relationship and regional stability, to a source of revival, development and stability between Palestine and Egypt. However, Palestinian division and the Israeli blockade continue to be obstacles that prevent the exploitation of potential opportunities.
A seaport, an airport and agriculture
The Gaza Strip covers an area of 365 square kilometers, and is home to 1.5 million Palestinians; an average of 4,100 people per square kilometer. The population of the Gaza Strip is expected to reach 2.1 million in the next eight years.
