Egypt has recently communicated forceful messages to Israel to make it clear that spillover of Palestinian refugees from Gaza to Sinai would jeopardize the peace agreement between the two countries, Israel Hayom reported.
The messages were conveyed through a series of contacts between senior Egyptian officials and Israeli officials, with the content relayed to Israel's entire political-security leadership. Egypt stressed that having refugees crossing over from the Gaza Strip would be a red line.
According to one source, the Egyptian message was that "if even one Palestinian refugee crosses over – the peace agreement will be nullified." Another source said the message was more moderate, stating "Even if one Egyptian refugee crosses over – the peace agreement will be suspended." Both sources explained the harsh messages Egypt sent as a mix of anger and concern. The anger stems from various statements and position papers discussing the relocation of Palestinians from Gaza as a possible solution to the Strip's problems.
The Intelligence Ministry, headed by Minister Gila Gamliel, recommended this in an official memo it published. In recent weeks there have also been similar statements by ministers and members of Kennesets, chief among them Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich who reiterated this on several occasions.
MNA