In a sign of escalating tensions between Egypt and Israel, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi recently ignored a phone call from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The move comes shortly after President al-Sisi accused Israel of deliberately stalling aid to Gaza, allegedly as a means to exert pressure for the release of hostages.

The Prime Minister's office attempted to downplay the incident, stating that the phone call would be rescheduled for a later time. Notably, the last conversation between the two leaders took place in the summer of last year, following an attack by an Egyptian soldier who killed three Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) troops at the border.

President al-Sisi's apparent snub sends a clear message that Netanyahu is now considered persona non grata in Egypt. However, despite strained relations, the two nations have maintained communication channels, with Israeli delegations making frequent trips to Egypt in recent weeks. These visits are part of Egypt's mediation efforts, alongside Qatar, to secure a deal for the release of hostages.

The failed phone call attempt could be attributed to increasing tensions from the Egyptian side. Egypt has become increasingly agitated by Israeli statements regarding the Philadelphi Corridor, a region along the Gaza border that Israel seeks military control over. Additionally, Israel has accused Egypt of delaying the delivery of humanitarian aid into southern Gaza.

Responding to these allegations, President al-Sisi denied responsibility for the aid delays, stating, "Egypt isn't the reason aid isn't getting through." He pointed out that the Rafah Crossing, the main entry point into Gaza from Egypt, is open 24/7. Al-Sisi further claimed that Israeli procedures intentionally stall much-needed aid as a tactic to pressure for the release of hostages.

Diaa Rashwan, Chairman of the Egyptian State Information Service, warned that any Israeli military action on the Gaza-Egypt border could have dire consequences for bilateral relations. He criticized Israel for its alleged lies, which he argued aim to legitimize its occupation of the region and contradict international agreements.

As tensions continue to rise, the strained relationship between Egypt and Israel raises concerns about the fragile situation in the Gaza Strip. The delay in providing essential aid to the region could exacerbate the already dire humanitarian conditions, putting innocent lives at risk. The international community will closely monitor further developments between the two nations and their impact on the ongoing hostage crisis and broader regional stability.