The deterioration of ties between Egypt and Israel stems primarily from the devastating humanitarian impact of Israel’s military actions. Egypt has been increasingly vocal about its dissatisfaction, particularly over the number of civilian casualties and the destruction of Gaza's infrastructure. With the Rafah border crossing serving as Gaza's lifeline to the outside world, Cairo has taken on a crucial role in facilitating humanitarian aid. However, Egyptian officials have expressed frustration over what they see as Israel's failure to protect civilians, despite repeated calls for restraint and ceasefire.
Diplomatic reports suggest that Egypt considered recalling its ambassador from Tel Aviv amid the deepening crisis, though the decision was ultimately deferred. This move would have marked a significant shift, as Egypt has historically played a role in mediating peace efforts in the region, including during previous Gaza conflicts. The potential recall of the Egyptian ambassador underscores the severity of the strain in relations, a development that could hinder future diplomatic efforts in the region.
In addition to diplomatic tensions, Cairo has been heavily involved in managing the humanitarian fallout from the war. The Rafah crossing remains a critical access point for aid to Gaza, but its intermittent opening due to ongoing Israeli airstrikes has complicated relief efforts. Egypt has been coordinating with various international actors, including the United Nations and Arab League, to push for humanitarian pauses in the fighting. These efforts reflect Cairo’s growing frustration with the protracted conflict, as it deals with an influx of refugees and the risk of destabilization along its border.
Egypt's growing unease with Israel's approach to Gaza comes against the backdrop of broader regional dynamics. While Egypt remains officially at peace with Israel, the public sentiment within the country is overwhelmingly supportive of the Palestinian cause. The war has spurred widespread protests in Egypt, with demonstrators calling for stronger government action against Israel. El-Sissi, balancing between maintaining strategic relations with Israel and addressing domestic pressures, has found himself walking a diplomatic tightrope.
Israel, for its part, has acknowledged the importance of its relationship with Egypt, which remains one of its few formal peace partners in the Arab world. Israeli officials have expressed regret over the strain in relations but have justified their military actions as necessary to neutralize threats from Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza. Despite these justifications, the ongoing violence and mounting civilian death toll have made it increasingly difficult for Egypt to remain neutral in the eyes of both its population and the international community.
The strain in Egypt-Israel relations extends beyond mere diplomatic disagreements. There are concerns that the ongoing conflict could lead to a breakdown in security cooperation, particularly in the Sinai Peninsula, where both nations have worked together to combat terrorist activity. This cooperation has been vital for regional stability, but the war in Gaza has tested the limits of this partnership. Egyptian officials have signaled that continued civilian casualties in Gaza could force them to reconsider the scope of their cooperation with Israel on security matters.