In response to growing concerns over the escalation of violence in Gaza, Egypt has increased its security presence at the border with the Gaza Strip. Egyptian security officials, speaking to CNN, described the fortification as a precautionary measure ahead of an expected Israeli ground operation in the southern city of Rafah, where a significant portion of Gaza's population has sought shelter.

As part of the security buildup, Egypt has deployed additional troops and machinery in North Sinai, which shares a border with Gaza. Witnesses reported that checkpoints leading to the Rafah border crossing on the Egyptian side were reinforced with more soldiers, and preparations were being made for the deployment of tanks and military machinery along the main road. Eyewitnesses and social media videos also captured Egyptian military helicopters flying near the border.

The decision to bolster security is a clear indication of Egypt's concerns regarding the potential spillover effects of Israel's military campaign in Gaza. Egypt has already condemned Israel's efforts to push Palestinians southward within the enclave, perceiving it as an attempt to expel Gazans and undermine the Palestinian cause.

Egypt's foreign ministry spokesperson publicly criticized comments made by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who appeared to attribute responsibility to Cairo for recent Hamas attacks on Israel. The spokesperson condemned Smotrich's remarks as "unfortunate and disgraceful," highlighting the destructive nature of such rhetoric.

Egypt's close ties with Israel, which date back to the 1979 peace treaty, are now being tested. While the treaty limits the number of troops stationed on the Egypt-Gaza border, recent developments have raised concerns about its continued compliance. Reports have circulated that Egypt threatened to annul the peace treaty if Israeli troops invaded Rafah. However, Egypt's foreign minister dismissed these claims, emphasizing Cairo's commitment to the treaty as long as it remains reciprocal.

Amid the tensions, it is worth noting that collaboration between Israeli and Egyptian security forces has been acknowledged. However, the current crisis has strained their relationship significantly, representing the most challenging period in Israeli-Egyptian ties since Abdel Fattah el-Sisi assumed leadership.

International pressure has mounted on Israel to avoid a ground operation in Rafah, which is already experiencing intense aerial bombardment. The city stands as a last refuge for Palestinians fleeing other parts of Gaza, with over 1.3 million people now crowded into tent cities near the Egyptian border, grappling with severe shortages of food, water, and medicine.

For Egypt, memories of the 2008 border crisis, when Gazans stormed into the country seeking essential supplies after Israel closed Gaza's border crossings, amplify concerns about the potential influx of Palestinians into Egypt. Since the outbreak of the conflict, the Rafah crossing has been bombed multiple times on the Palestinian side, prompting Egypt to fortify the area with concrete slabs.

Of particular worry to Egypt is the possibility of Israeli forces crossing the Philadelphi Corridor, a strip of land on the Egypt-Gaza border that both Israel and Egypt agreed to keep demilitarized under the 1979 peace treaty. Analysts have highlighted that any Israeli operation in this corridor would constitute a breach of the treaty, while also questioning whether Egypt's recent deployments there violate the agreement.

The security buildup by Egypt along the Gaza border, though technically not in line with existing security agreements, is likely taking place with Israel's endorsement. Experts suggest that such measures have been undertaken to address Egyptian fears, as Egypt would not deploy additional forces without Israel's approval.

As tensions continue to escalate and the situation remains fluid, the delicate balance between Egypt and Israel, forged over decades, faces a critical test. The international community watches anxiously, urging all parties to exercise restraint and seek a peaceful resolution to the crisis.