Hebrew newspaper reveals: Egypt rushes to deploy international forces and prepares temporary shelter areas in Rafah to avoid a security vacuum

As the Palestinian arena experiences a state of political and security stagnation, Cairo is moving swiftly to salvage what can be saved by proposing a comprehensive vision for the post-war phase in Gaza. According to a report by the Israeli newspaper Ma’ariv, Cairo is working in coordination with Washington and several regional actors to break the deadlock in the Gaza Strip by accelerating the deployment of international stabilization forces established by the Peace Council.

Ma’ariv estimates that Cairo believes the presence of these forces could create a new security reality, prevent the complete collapse of the ceasefire agreement, and allow for a transition from political understandings to practical steps on the ground. The Hebrew-language newspaper added that these Egyptian moves follow a series of intensive consultations held in Cyprus, which focused primarily on supporting the Gaza Management Committee, chaired by Ali Shuaa, and expanding its activities.

Within the framework of these discussions, the possibility of creating an experimental zone in Rafah to house residents in ready-made housing units, such as caravans, was studied, rather than pushing for large-scale reconstruction projects in the Strip at this stage. Sources confirmed that the option of establishing this zone remains on the table, particularly in the Tel al-Sultan neighborhood and western Rafah, but its implementation is contingent upon political and security understandings and the ability to prevent temporary arrangements from becoming a permanent reality—a development Cairo fears could serve Israeli plans in the Strip.

The report noted that despite the optimistic atmosphere following Egypt’s talks with Palestinian factions, and with support from Qatar and Turkey, significant gaps remain with Israel regarding the stabilization forces file. It clarified that Israel’s political and military apparatus conditions its approval of this step on the complete disarmament of armed factions in the Strip, a condition Cairo views as difficult to implement and potentially paralyzing for the entire process, especially in the absence of serious American pressure.

Nevertheless, Cairo points to what it describes as a development indicating the seriousness of some concerned parties, referring to the announcement by Nikolai Mladenov, the High Representative for Gaza in the Peace Council, regarding the start of coordination with Morocco and Kosovo to deploy military units from both countries within the international stabilization forces. Concurrently, meetings were held in the Strip aimed at forming a joint command for the forces and bringing in senior officers to establish transportation and logistical support systems.

However, the scale of international participation remains unclear, as some countries fear being drawn into direct confrontation with local residents or operating in an undefined rules-of-engagement space, while Israel continues to express reservations about the participation of certain countries, notably Turkey. Cairo views its participation within the stabilization forces as a strategic necessity aimed at preventing a security vacuum on its eastern border and ensuring its continued role as a central player capable of influencing border management and sustaining the de-escalation process. Cairo also estimates that an international presence within the Strip could reduce Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement.

In this context, Egypt has expressed full logistical readiness to assist in the arrival and deployment of forces and to prepare the necessary infrastructure for their operations. Prominent works have already begun on the ground, including the construction of new towers and military facilities near the border and surrounding areas. The Israeli newspaper noted that this infrastructure could serve a dual purpose: on one hand, as activity and logistical support centers for international forces, and on the other, providing the Egyptian army with additional operational facilities and assets that could be used in the future if needed.

On the humanitarian front, Cairo is working to increase the volume of daily aid to the Strip, improve its quality, and reduce the proportion of damaged or spoiled products. Egypt is also seeking to increase the number of trucks and diversify the types of shipments, coordinating with higher authorities while downplaying publicity regarding aid quantities to avoid Israeli objections and minimize obstacles.

These developments coincide with intense regional and international efforts to end the war in Gaza and manage the post-conflict phase. Cairo plays a key and pivotal mediator role in this file, supported by its geographic location and direct connection to the Strip’s eastern border issue. The plan to deploy international stabilization forces comes amid stalled political tracks and urgent Egyptian attempts to prevent the collapse of the truce, avoid accumulating humanitarian and security crises, and ensure that the conflict does not expand or create a security vacuum that could threaten the stability of Sinai and the entire region.