Egypt’s army chief visits Gaza border after Israel says Cairo failed on smuggling

Egypt's army chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Fathy Khalifa, made an unexpected visit to the Gaza border Thursday to assess the security situation, Egyptian state television reported. The trip follows public criticism from Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who accused Egypt of failing to stop Hamas from smuggling weapons through the Sinai. Khalifa's visit is seen as a response to the rising tensions between Egypt and Israel.