Egypt prepares for potential conflict in Sinai amid Gaza crisis

As Israel’s attacks in Gaza intensify, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is also hardening his rhetoric. Sisi, who has accused Israel of starving Palestinians and described its operations as “genocide” in recent months, openly declared Israel an “enemy” at the Arab-Islamic Summit in Qatar. This statement, unheard from an Egyptian leader for decades, was coupled with a warning that the 1979 peace treaty could be canceled if the current situation persists. His words, “Do not let the work of our predecessors for peace go to waste. If you do, regret will be of no use,” were noteworthy.

According to The National, Sisi is preparing his army for potential scenarios not just in rhetoric but also in practice. The Egyptian leader has repeatedly reiterated that forcing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to cross the border due to pressure in Gaza is a “red line.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, stated this month that he might allow the people of Gaza to cross into Egypt through the Rafah Crossing but that they would be “blocked.” This statement was met with a harsh response in Cairo; officials emphasized that such a move would constitute a “declaration of war.”

Diaa Rashwan, head of Egypt’s State Information Service, said, “Israel has not yet crossed this red line. However, the intense and barbaric pressure on the people of Gaza is pushing them south. This could happen at any moment.”

New Chinese-made air defense system in Sinai

According to sources, Egypt is strengthening its military presence in Sinai against the risk of a potential mass exodus and security threats. A Chinese-made HQ-9B air defense system has been deployed to the region, which was the scene of four wars between Israel and Egypt from 1948 to 1973.

Unconfirmed reports also state that new tunnels, fortified hangars, and runways are being built, and that Egyptian soldiers at the border have come face-to-face with Israeli soldiers who seized the Rafah Crossing in May 2024.

The army is also keeping thousands of Bedouins, armed for counter-terrorism efforts in northern Sinai, ready as a support force in a potential conflict. Additionally, it is reported that fuel, food, and medicine stockpiles have been increased, and the wheat, flour, and oil reserves of the country of 107 million people have been secured.

The report stated that internal security units are preparing for potential terrorist attacks and internal unrest scenarios by conducting large-scale drills in Sinai and Suez Canal cities.

It was also noted that nationalist rhetoric is being promoted in state-controlled media and social media networks, with broadcasts emphasizing Sisi’s leadership and the army’s strength to instill confidence in the public.

It was noteworthy that Sisi’s harsh remarks in Qatar came a few days after Israel’s attack targeting Hamas leaders in Doha. At least six people were killed in the Israeli attack, while most of the targeted Hamas officials survived.

The report emphasized that these individuals had participated in negotiations in Cairo with Egyptian officials, through Qatari and US representatives, for a ceasefire and the release of prisoners during the 23-month-long Gaza war.