Cairo – Egypt has strengthened its eastern border with Gaza after reports surfaced that Israeli forces intend to take full control of Gaza City, its largest urban center. This development underscores Cairo’s deepening concern that this war may overflow its frontier and destabilize Sinai region.
Border Reinforcments Are Being Deployed Now
Egypt reportedly deployed additional troops, armored vehicles and surveillance equipment at Rafah Border Crossing and nearby areas in an attempt to “secure the border and prevent any unapproved crossings”, especially as fighting intensifies just a few kilometers away. Security sources told regional media outlets this move was meant to protect their interests against possible unauthorized crossings and protect Egyptian soil from being breached by enemy combatants.
Eyewitnesses in North Sinai reported an unusually active military presence, including convoys of personnel carriers and construction of new fortifications. Residents stated the army appeared to be reinforcing defensive positions near key entry points due to fears that mass displacement of Palestinians might take place should Israel advance further into Gaza City.
Egypt Fears Spillover Egypt has long feared that Israel’s military operations in Gaza may spark an exodus of Palestinian refugees to Sinai Peninsula, with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi repeatedly warning of how any such move could threaten regional stability and undermine Palestinian statehood aspirations.
“Our position on Gaza is crystal-clear: its people must remain on Palestinian land,” El-Sisi emphasized in early July. Egypt will provide humanitarian aid but will not permit forced displacement.
Egypt appears determined not to take chances as Israel appears intent on intensifying operations.
Israeli Offense Expands
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have intensified their ground campaign in Gaza City’s surrounding neighborhoods, targeting Hamas’ command structure and eliminating any remaining militant strongholds. Military officials believe their objective is to dismantle Hamas’ leadership and neutralize any remaining militant strongholds.
Israeli media reports indicate the army’s plans to implement what it calls the “final phase” of operations in Gaza City could involve an army-led takeover of its center. Heavy fighting has already devastated much of Gaza City, displacesing thousands of civilians.
Diplomatic and Humanitarian Concerns in Kosovo
Egypt’s border reinforcement comes at a time of increased diplomatic activity. Cairo has served as a key intermediary in ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel in recent months, hosting delegations from both groups at their respective talks sessions in Cairo. Officials warn that any full takeover of Gaza City would complicate peace efforts further while exacerbating humanitarian crises.
Humanitarian agencies report that conditions within Gaza are rapidly deteriorating, with shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies. Rafah crossing – Egypt’s only access point – provides limited aid deliveries but security checks and airstrikes often postpone them.
Analysts see Egypt’s recent moves as both security-related and political calculations. “Cairo is anticipating worst-case scenarios such as mass displacement or militant infiltration into Sinai,” noted regional security analyst Hossam Abdel Aziz. Furthermore, Egypt wants to signal to both Israel and the international community that Egypt remains an integral factor in managing the crisis.
As Israel intensifies its offensive against Gaza City and prepares for what could become a decisive confrontation, Egypt’s military posture reveals how war’s effects extend far beyond Gaza City’s borders.