In response to the massive military and genocidal operations Israel is carrying out in the Gaza Strip, Egypt has been building up military assets in the neighboring Sinai Peninsula. Israel reportedly has complained that this buildup violates the 1967 Egyptian Israeli Peace treaty. While Egypt has refused to comment on these reports it has now issued a short statement that its military forces in the Sinai are to protect Egypt’s borders
“The presence of the military in Sinai is primarily necessary to protect Egypt’s borders, prevent terrorist attacks there and curb the activities of smugglers. Egypt continues to adhere to all the provisions of the peace agreement [with Israel],” a September 21 statement by the Egyptian State Information Service said.
The statement said Egypt abides by the 1979 treaty while condemning the expansion of Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip and the displacement of Palestinians from their territories.
