Egypt takes precautionary measures ahead of potential Israeli ground assault on Rafah
Egypt has increased its security presence at its border with the Gaza Strip as it prepares for a potential spillover of Israel’s war on Hamas. The move comes as Israeli forces consider a ground assault on the southern city of Rafah, where over half of Gaza’s population is currently seeking shelter. Egyptian security officials have stated that the fortification of the border is a precautionary measure in anticipation of the Israeli operation. In addition to deploying more troops and machinery in North Sinai, which borders Gaza, Egypt is also constructing a massive buffer zone and wall along its border.
Concerns over strained relations between Egypt and Israel
Israel’s military campaign in Gaza is straining its longstanding relationship with Egypt, a key Arab partner. Egypt has already condemned Israel’s actions in pushing Palestinians southward in the enclave, accusing it of trying to expel Gazans and signaling the end of the Palestinian cause. The recent escalation of tensions, with Israel pushing over a million Palestinians toward Egypt’s territory and preparing for a military operation in Rafah, has alarmed Egypt once again. Satellite images show that Egypt is building a miles-wide buffer zone and wall along its border with southern Gaza.
Tensions between Egypt and Israel could impact peace treaty
The strained relations between Egypt and Israel have raised concerns about the future of their peace treaty. Egypt was the first Arab nation to recognize Israel in 1979, leading to a landmark pact that saw Israel return the Sinai Peninsula in exchange for peace. The treaty also placed limits on the number of troops stationed on the border between Egypt and Gaza. While Egypt’s foreign minister dismissed reports of threats to void the treaty, he stated that Egypt would adhere to it as long as it remained reciprocal.
Israel’s military operation raises international concerns
Israel’s military operation in Rafah, which has been under intense aerial bombardment, has raised international alarm. The city serves as the last major refuge for Palestinians fleeing the north and center of Gaza. Over 1.3 million people are now living in a crowded tent city in Rafah, facing shortages of food, water, and medicine. Israeli cabinet ministers have called for the resettlement of Gaza by Jews after the war, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized Israel’s commitment to security control.
Egypt warns of consequences and recalls past border crisis
Egypt has warned Israel of the “grave consequences” of a military operation in Rafah, calling on Israel to refrain from taking actions that would further complicate the situation. Egypt remembers the 2008 border crisis when hundreds of Gazans stormed into Egypt after the border wall was breached. With the prospect of millions of Palestinians pouring into the country, Egypt is concerned about the strain on its resources and the potential danger to civilians. Egypt highlights the risks of Israel’s ground offensive crossing the Philadelphi Corridor, a demilitarized buffer zone on the border between Gaza and Egypt.
Potential breach of peace treaty
Experts suggest that Egypt’s recent deployments at the Gaza border could potentially violate the peace treaty with Israel. However, it is believed that Egypt’s security buildup is taking place with Israel’s tacit approval, as a means to address Egypt’s fears. While an Israeli ground campaign in Rafah would not breach the treaty, an operation in the Philadelphi Corridor would. The deployment of Israeli troops in the corridor without prior agreement would be seen as a breach of the treaty by Egypt. It remains unclear if Israel and Egypt are coordinating their actions in Rafah.
Stable security ties despite political tensions
Although tensions between Egypt and Israel have escalated recently, security and military ties between the two countries remain stable. While official statements may indicate strained relations, practical collaboration between security apparatuses continues. Political tensions often lead to security talks to calm the situation, even if such talks are denied by officials. Although Egypt’s concerns about the Israeli operation persist, the security and military relationship between the two countries remains intact.