Egypt Faces Escalating Pressure Over Gaza War and Regional Security Threats

Watan-Egypt is grappling with escalating challenges, primarily centered around the Palestinian issue, amid increasing pressures to accept the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza to Sinai. These pressures come alongside regional and internal security concerns, including instability in Africa and the country’s ongoing economic crisis.

While the Palestinian issue remains at the forefront, sources have revealed that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has issued direct orders to security and diplomatic agencies—most notably the General Intelligence Directorate and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—to develop a comprehensive strategy to address the worsening situation in Gaza, which Cairo perceives as a direct threat to national security.

Egypt’s “Red Line” on Gaza and Palestinian Displacement

During a parliamentary foreign affairs committee meeting, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty stated that Egypt is currently facing unprecedented challenges that threaten both its national security and internal stability. He emphasized that Egypt has never before encountered such a simultaneous convergence of geopolitical crises that directly impact its strategic interests.

Referring to the war in Gaza, Abdel Aty reaffirmed that Egypt considers any forced displacement of Palestinians a “red line” and is working to mobilize both Arab and international support to prevent any attempts to undermine the Palestinian cause.

Egypt has been promoting a five-year reconstruction plan for Gaza, estimated at $53 billion, which was formally adopted by both the Arab League during its emergency summit in Cairo and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. President El-Sisi reinforced this stance, stating at a recent Martyrs’ Day event that Egypt has maintained a clear and firm position from the outset of the crisis:“There is no solution to the Palestinian issue except through justice, the establishment of a Palestinian state, and the outright rejection of any forced displacement of the Palestinian people under any pretext.”

Security Measures Along the Egypt-Gaza Border

In light of the worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza and the continued Israeli military escalation, Egypt—one of the key mediators alongside Qatar and the United States—is taking steps to manage the situation on multiple fronts: security, diplomacy, and economics.

El-Sisi has directed security agencies to tighten border controls, particularly around Rafah, to prevent infiltration and arms smuggling that could destabilize Sinai. Egyptian authorities have intensified monitoring and inspections and increased security coordination with Israel to address any potential threats along the shared border.

Diplomatic Efforts and International Engagement

On the diplomatic front, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry has been tasked with ramping up consultations with global powers, including the United States, the European Union, and Russia, to secure international backing for Egypt’s role as a primary mediator in the Gaza war. The goal is to pressure Israel into:

• Halting military operations
• Opening humanitarian corridors for aid delivery to Gaza
• Coordinating Arab responses through intensified talks with Gulf states and Jordan to consolidate a unified stance on Egypt’s proposed solutions

In terms of Gaza’s reconstruction, Egypt’s General Intelligence Directorate has been instructed to develop a detailed rehabilitation plan, including housing and development projects aimed at stabilizing the population without displacement. A joint coordination team has been formed between the intelligence services, foreign ministry, and housing ministry to fast-track project implementation.

Securing Gulf Funding and Countering U.S. & Israeli Plans

Egypt is currently negotiating with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar to secure financial support for Gaza’s reconstruction efforts. At the same time, it is working to counter Western-backed proposals that threaten Palestinian sovereignty, such as the U.S. plan to place Gaza under international administration and transform it into a tourism-driven economic zone—a project championed by U.S. President Donald Trump under the name “The Middle East Riviera,” which implicitly supports the forced displacement of Gazans.

To mobilize international support, Egyptian state media has been directed to launch a comprehensive diplomatic and media campaign showcasing Egypt’s commitment to the Palestinian cause and positioning its plan as a practical alternative to U.S.-backed proposals. Cairo has also begun engaging with both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority to secure Palestinian consensus around its reconstruction initiative.

Security Concerns and Regional Pressures

Egypt views the Gaza war as a direct security threat, fearing that mass displacement from Gaza could trigger a refugee crisis on Egyptian soil—a scenario that Cairo will not accept. Additionally, Egyptian authorities are concerned that a security vacuum in Gaza could lead to a resurgence of extremist groups, which would further destabilize Sinai.

Despite Arab support for Egypt’s reconstruction plan, Cairo faces pressures from key international players:

• The U.S. supports Egypt’s mediation role but insists that any reconstruction plan be tied to the disarmament of Palestinian resistance groups—a demand rejected by Hamas.
• Israel opposes any Egyptian-led efforts that might strengthen Hamas’ influence and demands strict security guarantees before endorsing reconstruction efforts.
• Some Gulf states are willing to fund Egypt’s initiative but insist on international oversight to ensure transparency and efficiency. Others condition their political and financial support on Hamas disarmament, aligning with Israeli and U.S. demands.

Egypt’s Diplomatic Challenges Amid Shifting Arab Alliances

Analysts argue that Egypt is facing one of its toughest diplomatic challenges, particularly as Saudi Arabia and the UAE have distanced themselves from direct engagement on the Palestinian issue. The absence of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed from the recent Arab Summit raises questions about the extent of Arab backing for Egypt’s position.

This lack of strong Arab solidarity reflects a shift in priorities among some Gulf nations, which are increasingly focused on deepening their ties with Israel to advance economic and security interests. As a result, Egypt finds itself in a complex geopolitical landscape, requiring a recalibration of its regional policies to secure the minimum level of Arab support needed for its strategic initiatives.

Egypt’s Economic and Regional Challenges

Beyond its political and security challenges, Egypt is grappling with a severe economic crisis, marked by:

• Rising foreign debt
• Declining foreign reserves
• Difficulties in attracting foreign investments due to regional instability and global economic downturns

This economic pressure limits Egypt’s diplomatic leverage, as its reliance on foreign aid and Gulf funding reduces its ability to maneuver politically, particularly regarding its relationship with Israel and the Palestinian issue.

Broader Regional Threats: Sudan, Libya, and Ethiopia

Egypt’s security challenges extend beyond Gaza to other regional crises:

• The ongoing war in Sudan poses a direct security and humanitarian threat, as instability near Egypt’s southern border could exacerbate refugee flows and fuel cross-border militant activity.
• Libya remains a major security concern, with armed militias and extremist groups threatening Egypt’s western border, requiring increased diplomatic and military engagement.
• The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) crisis remains a top priority, as it impacts Egypt’s water security. The increasing U.S. and Israeli influence in Ethiopia is seen as a geopolitical challenge that could negatively affect Egypt’s position.

Conclusion: Egypt at a Crossroads

The Gaza war, regional instability, and economic hardships have placed Egypt at a critical juncture. To navigate these challenges, Cairo needs stronger Arab and international support, a clearer diplomatic strategy, and effective economic policies to safeguard its national security and geopolitical interests.