Egypt threatens to reconsider peace deal over Israel’s Gaza plan

Cairo warns Israeli redeployment in Rafah risks national security, peace accords.

By David Brummer, World Israel News

Egypt has issued a stern warning to Israel over its military redeployment plan in Gaza, cautioning that it could jeopardize the decades-old peace agreement between the two countries.

An Egyptian official involved in the ongoing Israel-Hamas negotiations, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, voiced strong opposition to Israel’s reported intentions.

Speaking to the Al-Araby Al-Jadeed newspaper, the official said Cairo rejects Israel’s plan to maintain a military presence across the Rafah region and to establish a large refugee camp near the border.

“This would create a human bomb at the Egyptian border, which would pose a clear threat to Egypt’s national security,” the official said.

Israel’s operations in Gaza, particularly in Rafah, have strained regional ties.

Egypt views any Israeli entrenchment near its borders as a direct risk to its sovereignty and internal stability.

The Egyptian official stressed that Cairo has repeatedly warned Israel about potential violations of the Camp David Accords.

He noted that, in response to Israel’s actions, Egypt has already reinforced its military presence in Zone C of the Sinai Peninsula — an area where, under the peace treaty, Egyptian military activity is heavily restricted.

These deployments include heavy weaponry and enhanced troop numbers, which the official described as a direct reaction to Israeli maneuvers.

He said the buildup is meant to send a clear signal to Israel about the seriousness of Egypt’s security concerns.

Egypt has reportedly communicated that if Israel proceeds with unilateral steps that undermine Egyptian security, Cairo might have to reevaluate its commitment to the peace treaty signed in 1979.

The official warned that any definitive threat stemming from Israeli actions could compel Egypt to reassess the agreement’s relevance.

The Camp David Accords, brokered by the United States, led to the first peace treaty between Israel and an Arab nation.

It has been a cornerstone of regional stability for more than four decades.

This latest diplomatic rift emerges amid continued efforts by Egypt and Qatar to mediate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, as fighting in Gaza persists.

Cairo’s central role as mediator has been complicated by rising tensions along its northeastern frontier.

Israeli officials have yet to publicly respond to Egypt’s statements.

However, any erosion of the Israel-Egypt peace agreement could have far-reaching implications for the region.