Egypt has begun reinforcing its military presence in northern Sinai near the Israeli border, in preparation for the second phase of “Operation Gideon Chariots” to capture Gaza City.
According to Arab media, the deployment includes around 40,000 Egyptian troops along with armored vehicles. The move reflects Cairo’s deep concern that masses of Gazans may attempt to cross into Egypt as fighting in Gaza escalates.
Egypt has expressed such fears in the past, particularly ahead of Israel’s control over the Philadelphi Corridor, but the current situation is seen as far more dangerous. With severe humanitarian distress in Gaza and lack of governance in the south, Cairo fears chaos at the border.
The IDF stated: “In accordance with the military annex of the peace treaty with Egypt, any entry of military capabilities into Sinai is carried out in coordination with the IDF and the political echelon.”