As the Israel-Hamas cease-fire enters a critical phase, Egypt has stepped into a significant role amid the ongoing conflict that erupted after Hamas' attack on October 7. Despite the world’s focus on Gaza, the frail nature of Israeli-Egyptian relations is glaring. Egypt, wary of the potential influx of Gazans due to US policies, has refused to entertain proposals that compromise its borders. It remains engaged in negotiations, particularly around hostage situations, while also bolstering its military presence in the Sinai to signal readiness against potential threats from Israel. The tensions reflect long-standing discord in relations, exacerbated by Netanyahu’s government.
President Trump’s declaration that the US would “own Gaza” has revived fears in Cairo that Egypt will ultimately bear the brunt of solving the “Gaza” problem.
Along with Qatar, Cairo has played a crucial role in the hostage deals in order to showcase its commitment to ending the war, as long as they can keep their border with Gaza closed.
Egypt is taking no chances. The past few weeks have seen a significant Egyptian military buildup in the Sinai peninsula, signaling military action against Israel may be in the works.
Ties between Israel and Egypt have never been warm since the two signed the Camp David Accords in 1979. But they’ve grown incrementally worse since the beginning of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s latest return to office.
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