Israeli military actions in Rafah aim to obliterate a millennium-long historical legacy
In the heart of the Gaza Strip, the governorate of Rafah boasts a rich history that spans over three millennia. This city, which dates back to the second millennium BCE, has been a significant crossroads and a crucial part of various empires and civilizations.
The Pharaohs developed Rafah to control their domain of Canaan. However, it was the Egyptians who met their defeat at Rafah in -720, at the hands of the Assyrians. The Assyrians, in turn, were later replaced by the Babylonians and Persians in the following centuries.
During the Ottoman period, Rafah became a small town of a few hundred Muslim inhabitants. It was less a fortress than a commercial crossroads on the edge of the Egyptian desert. The British, masters of Egypt, drew the border between Sinai and Palestine within the boundaries of Rafah in 1906, granting it a free zone status. This allowed merchants and Bedouins to freely cross the border, fostering a thriving trade.
Such fluidity of trade was preserved after the British conquest of Palestine in 1917. Greek historian Polybe considered Rafah to be the last city of Asia before Africa on the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula. In the 5th century CE, Rafah became the seat of a bishopric in the Byzantine province of Palestine.
However, the prosperity of Rafah was short-lived. The establishment of Khan Younes on the road to Gaza in 1387 led to the decline of Rafah. The city, once a bustling commercial hub, gradually faded into obscurity.
Fast forward to the modern era, Rafah, with a population of over 250,000 in 2023, has once again become a focal point. The Israeli army has been waging a campaign of urban annihilation in Rafah, which has intensified in recent months.
Despite the challenges, the spirit of Rafah remains resilient. Its history serves as a testament to the city's enduring strength and the determination of its people. The story of Rafah is a tale of rise and fall, of conquest and resilience, and a testament to the indomitable human spirit.
