Egypt’s recent actions regarding its border with Gaza, including the construction of a wall and the bolstering of security, have drawn significant attention amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Since the conflict intensified in October 2024, Egypt has refused to accept an influx of Palestinian refugees, citing both political and security concerns.
As of today, Egypt has intensified security measures along its Gaza border amidst fears of a potential Israeli offensive in Rafah. The country has reinforced its concrete wall, which extends six meters underground, topped with barbed wire, and expanded buffer zones. Egypt remains firmly opposed to the mass displacement of Palestinians into Sinai, with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi warning that this could turn the area into a base for attacks against Israel. Egypt also continues to facilitate aid but blames Israel for delays in supplies.
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has been vocal about Egypt’s stance, firmly opposing any large-scale displacement of Palestinians into the Sinai Peninsula. Sisi warned that allowing refugees into Egypt could serve as a de facto endorsement of Israel’s attempts to expel Palestinians from Gaza permanently, jeopardizing future Palestinian statehood. He stressed that Egypt will not be complicit in what many see as a forced displacement of Palestinians—a scenario reminiscent of the 1948 Nakba, during which hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were displaced.
Sisi has framed this issue not only as a humanitarian concern but also a matter of national security. Sinai, a region with a history of militant activity, could be further destabilized by an influx of refugees. This fear is compounded by concerns that militants could exploit the open borders, prompting retaliatory Israeli strikes on Egyptian soil. This delicate balancing act has led Egypt to take significant steps, including reinforcing its border with military tanks and the construction of a “walled enclosure” that could house displaced persons temporarily if necessary, though Sisi maintains that this is a last resort.
Politically, Egypt’s refusal has sparked both criticism and support. Many Arab nations have expressed solidarity with the Palestinian cause but are reluctant to host refugees themselves. At an Arab summit in October 2024, leaders collectively rejected any form of forced displacement, signaling regional unity on this issue. However, Egypt, which plays a crucial role in mediating between Israel and Hamas, has faced internal and external pressure. Critics argue that Egypt’s stance leaves Palestinians trapped in a deadly conflict zone, while others emphasize the risks involved in opening the borders.
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International figures, including the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, have expressed understanding of Egypt’s concerns. Grandi recently commented that a mass exodus of Palestinians would not only worsen an already dire humanitarian situation but could also derail any future peace prospects in the region.
Egypt’s position reflects the broader hesitation among many Muslim-majority countries to absorb Palestinian refugees. While countries like Jordan and Lebanon already host significant Palestinian populations, they too have been reluctant to accept more, citing concerns about overburdening resources and stoking internal tensions.