Media: Egypt condemns Israeli plans to displace Palestinians near border

Egypt has strongly condemned Israeli policies aimed at forcibly displacing Palestinians toward its borders, warning that such actions pose a direct threat to its national security, an informed Egyptian source told Asharq al-Awsat.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the source criticised Israel’s handling of the Gaza conflict, saying it reveals a lack of seriousness in reaching a ceasefire or engaging in meaningful efforts to resolve the crisis, Caliber.Az cites the article. 

“Cairo is alarmed by attempts to push Palestinians toward Egyptian territory and set up tent encampments near the border,” the source said, calling the move “a threat to Egypt’s national security.”

The remarks came amid Israeli media reports that Egypt has warned Israel against expanding military operations in Rafah. Israel’s Channel 7 reported that Egypt’s security delegation involved in the ongoing Gaza ceasefire talks expressed strong opposition to Israel’s proposed military deployment map, citing concerns over Egyptian sovereignty and security.

According to Israel’s Channel 13, Cairo views Israel’s plan to establish a “tent city” for displaced Palestinians near the Egypt-Gaza border as a “ticking time bomb.” The plan, which envisions relocating hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to the area, has heightened Egyptian concerns over a potential refugee crisis on its doorstep.

In response, Egypt has increased its military presence in Sinai’s Zone C, a region where military activity is limited under the 1979 peace treaty, sending a clear message to Israel. Egyptian sources indicate that Cairo may reassess the peace agreement if Israeli actions are deemed a clear violation.

Egyptian national security and international relations expert Major General Mohamed Abdel Wahid told Asharq al-Awsat, “Egypt categorically rejects any Israeli military presence along the Egyptian-Palestinian border,” including Israel’s control of the Philadelphi Corridor and Rafah. “This is a breach of the peace treaty,” he added.

“Egypt has previously warned that the peace agreement may be at risk,” Abdel Wahid said, emphasizing that while Cairo remains committed to the treaty, “it is clear that Israel is not respecting its obligations and is pursuing its interests at any cost.”

He accused Israel of deliberately pushing Palestinians toward Egypt’s borders in preparation for a forced displacement plan, describing it as an attempt to dismantle the Palestinian cause — a move Egypt wholly rejects.

Recent reports from Egyptian media highlighted a buildup of troops and heavy weaponry in northern Sinai’s Zone C, signaling Cairo’s growing frustration. Analysts suggest this deployment may stretch the limits of the peace agreement, though Egyptian sources maintain it is a direct response to Israeli violations.

Major General Sayed Ghoneim, a fellow at the Egyptian Military Academy for Postgraduate and Strategic Studies, described the strain in Egyptian-Israeli relations as “political and diplomatic — not military.”

“There’s a political disagreement over policies and a diplomatic rift between the two foreign ministries,” Ghoneim said. “But the defense ministries remain on coordinated terms, particularly in matters related to peacekeeping. Any tensions are being handled through established channels.”

Ghoneim, also a visiting professor at NATO and the Royal Military Academy in Brussels, pointed to Egypt’s refusal to accredit a new Israeli ambassador as a sign of diplomatic tension. Egypt also recalled its ambassador from Tel Aviv and has yet to send him back.

He emphasised that despite Israel’s military presence along the Egypt-Gaza border violating the peace agreement and fueling political discord, the situation has not escalated into a military confrontation.

The 1979 Egypt-Israel peace treaty prohibits the use or threat of force between the two countries and mandates peaceful dispute resolution. It also regulates military deployments along their shared border and established a joint military coordination committee.

By Sabina Mammadli