CAIRO (Realist English). Egypt has deployed around 40,000 troops along its border with Gaza, nearly double the limit set under the 1979 Egypt–Israel peace treaty, amid growing fears that Israel’s planned occupation of the enclave could trigger mass Palestinian displacement into North Sinai, a senior military source told Middle East Eye.
The source said the army is at its “highest state of alert in years” following direct orders from President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi after consultations with the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces and the National Security Council. Armored vehicles, M60 tanks, air defense systems, and special forces have been stationed in Rafah, Sheikh Zuweid, and other key areas near the border.
Cairo has formally notified Israel of the reinforcements, though Tel Aviv lodged complaints over Egyptian deployments in restricted zones. Egyptian officials insist the mobilization is defensive. “Any strike on our territory would be met with a firm response,” the source warned.
North Sinai Governor Khaled Megawer, a former head of military intelligence, earlier this month issued a blunt warning: “Anyone who thinks of approaching our border will be met with an unexpected and outrageous response.”
The prospect of Palestinians being forced into Sinai has long been floated but remains unacceptable to Cairo. “The transfer of Palestinians can’t ever be tolerated or allowed,” Sisi said earlier this year. Tribal leaders in El-Arish have echoed that stance, declaring Sinai will not become an “alternative homeland.”
The escalation comes as Israel presses ahead with its Gaza campaign, which has killed over 62,000 Palestinians, raising the risk of a humanitarian crisis. Analysts say the coming weeks will test both Egypt’s military preparedness and its diplomatic role as a mediator, while also straining relations with Israel.
Despite decades of cooperation — from energy trade to U.S.-backed security ties — Cairo views Israel’s seizure of the Philadelphi Corridor in May 2024 as a violation of the peace treaty and a direct threat to border stability.
