Egypt Cuts Security Cooperation with Israel after Doha Attack

In a significant shift in regional security dynamics, Egypt has decided to reduce its security cooperation and coordination with Israel in response to the recent Israeli military strike that targeted senior Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar. According to official Egyptian sources, this decision reflects Cairo’s strong condemnation of Israel’s unilateral action, which Egypt views as undermining efforts for peace and ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.

Egyptian authorities have further issued a stern warning to Tel Aviv, declaring that any attempt to carry out similar attacks on Egyptian soil, especially attempts to assassinate Hamas leaders residing in Egypt, will be considered a severe violation of Egypt’s sovereignty. Such acts, Egypt emphasized, would amount to a declaration of war by Israel, to which Cairo would respond with decisive retaliatory measures. The Egyptian security establishment reportedly uncovered Israeli plots aiming to target Hamas leadership living covertly in Cairo—a plan that Egypt has so far successfully foiled.

An anonymous senior security official told Middle East Eye and other outlets that Israel’s ongoing intent to undermine ceasefire efforts through targeted assassinations has escalated tensions, prompting Egypt to rethink and restructure its security communication channels with Israel until further notice. The official underscored that several Hamas leaders have been residing in Egypt for years, their locations undisclosed for security reasons, and that Cairo is resolutely prepared to defend its territorial integrity against external aggression.

This move follows Israel’s airstrike in Doha, which targeted individuals linked to the October 7, 2023 massacre in Israel’s south. While the Israeli Defence Forces claim the operation was crucial to disrupting Hamas’ command structure, Egypt views the strike and subsequent threats by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to target Hamas operatives wherever they are as destabilizing acts that risk drawing the region into wider conflict.

Egypt’s decision to scale back security cooperation with Israel is also part of a broader regional effort. The country is reportedly pushing to revive a NATO-style joint Arab military force for rapid defense against external attacks, signaling Cairo’s intention to assert a more independent and influential role in regional security architecture.

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The developments come amid heightened diplomatic activity, including Arab foreign ministers gathering in Doha to discuss coordinated responses to Israeli military actions. The Egyptian government has reiterated its call for Israel to return to negotiations aimed at achieving a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza rather than prolonging cycles of violence.

As tensions rise in the Middle East, Egypt’s calibrated stance underscores its commitment to sovereignty, regional stability, and the pursuit of political solutions amid ongoing conflict.