Egypt strengthens Gaza border troop presence, warns Israel against “red lines”

Egypt has significantly reinforced its military presence along the Gaza border, deploying around 40,000 troops—twice the number allowed under the 1979 Egypt–Israel peace treaty—amid fears that Israel may attempt to push Palestinians into North Sinai, according to Middle East Eye.

The escalation comes as Israel reportedly explores relocating Palestinians from Gaza to countries such as Libya, Indonesia, and Sudan. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, in an interview with CNN this week, stressed that any such move would cross a “red line” and pose a direct threat to Egypt’s national security and sovereignty.

“We will not accept it, we will not participate in it, and we will not allow it to happen,” Abdelatty said.

Egypt, the first Arab country to officially recognize Israel in 1979, has long maintained its peace treaty with Tel Aviv. While Abdelatty’s comments rank among the strongest warnings yet regarding forced displacement, he stopped short of declaring the peace accord nullified if it occurs.

At the same time, Abdelatty noted progress in ongoing negotiations over a ceasefire and hostage deal. He said “a sort of understanding” had been reached on key points of the latest U.S.-brokered proposal, advanced by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.