Gazan activist: We need democracy and stability in Egypt

El Nounou: Yes, they are because Gaza is very close to Egypt, [Gazans] are always very concerned about what happens in Egypt. In fact, most of the people I know are staying glued to their TV or radios to follow the news about what is happening with the revolution.

The Associated Press reported that the Rafah crossing point was closed on January 30th. Could you talk about how events in Egypt are immediately affecting Gazans?

The border is totally closed now. You know previously the border was open but there was not free movement for people. Only certain categories of people were allowed to move: patients, students, people with foreign passports, and people who have permanent residency outside Gaza. The rest of the population was not allowed [to leave].

But now, even these categories are not allowed to go out of Gaza and cross over into Egypt and this is creating a serious humanitarian problem for these people, especially for the patients who go for medical treatment outside Gaza. A lot of these people have health conditions which are deteriorating and they, of course, cannot leave and get the medical treatment that they need.

The press reports give the impression that it is pretty chaotic throughout Egypt right now. So who’s monitoring the border? The Egyptian military?

Of course. On the Egyptian side, the Egyptian authorities are monitoring and controlling the border. Then on the Palestinian side, the government in Gaza -- the Hamas government -- are responsible for controlling movement from the Gaza side.

Has Hamas spoken out in support of the demonstrators?

No. In fact, the official position of Hamas has been very conservative. They were almost silent about the uprising in Egypt because they don’t want to [jeopardize] their relations with the Egyptian authorities by making any announcements pro or against the revolution.

What are your own thoughts about the uprising? Do you think it represents a change in the status quo or do you consider this a temporary disruption?

I can answer this question on two levels: as an individual, and the general view.

First, the general view: People in Gaza viewed the Egyptian regime as not so supportive of the Palestinian people, the Palestinian cause. [The regime] could have done more to help the Palestinians in the difficult situation that they are suffering especially because of the siege imposed by the Israeli authorities.

So generally speaking, the general mood in Gaza is pro the revolution and making democratic changes in Egypt because eventually [Gazans] believe this is going to be reflected positively on their cause.

At the personal level, if you ask me this question, I think we need to have a democratic change in Egypt -- because this is good, but we need stability in Egypt, as well. My concern is that if there will be any unrest or any political turmoil, that can negatively affect the Palestinian cause. Maybe there will be some problems -- maybe some violence that we in Gaza will be affected by.

Do you think what is happening in Egypt will have any influence on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict in terms of putting more pressure for some kind of resolution?

You know Egypt is a very powerful player in the Middle East peace process so any political change will definitely affect the Middle East environment. If there are no changes in the Egyptian regime, it will definitely affect the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.

If there are any democratic changes, I think this will be for the good and [could contribute] to Palestinian liberation and getting rid of the occupation.