Egyptian public outraged over influx of Israelis fleeing through Sinai border

As Iranian missiles strike parts of Israel, many Israelis are fleeing the country, with a growing number crossing into Egypt at the Taba border. From there, they are flying to Europe and other destinations via Sharm el-Sheikh.

According to local media, thousands of Israelis and foreign nationals have crossed the border in recent days. While Egyptian authorities are facilitating these crossings, some Egyptians view the treatment as hypocritical.

"Palestinians are under siege, and Egypt blocks aid convoys meant to help them. Yet Israelis are welcomed in Sinai hotels," one activist group told The New Arab.

A diplomatic source told the publication’s sister outlet that the Egyptian Foreign Ministry has efficiently coordinated the evacuations, ensuring secure travel corridors with help from security services.

However, critics point out that Egyptians living in Israel do not receive the same treatment.

“Freedom of movement is a basic right granted to Israelis but denied to Egyptian citizens,” the Association of Egyptians in Israel posted on social media. The group criticized the long, unpredictable security procedures Egyptians face when attempting to return home — even temporarily — through the same border their Israeli neighbors pass through with ease.