Egypt in February 2026: the most important developments in security
In February 2026 the reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt was the main security story for Egypt. On 2 February Israel reopened the crossing, closed for nearly two years, for limited civilian movement. Israel and Egypt imposed strict limits that kept most Gazans from passing through, foreign journalists were barred from entering Gaza, and Palestinians returning were said to face checks by Palestinian militia groups. Security along the Gaza border was raised amid fears of smuggling to Hamas.
On 14 February Hamas and Cairo held talks on disarmament. On 19 February Egypt's prime minister told a meeting of the Board of Peace that Egypt is committed to training Palestinian forces and empowering the National Committee in Gaza. On 5 February Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was said to have warned that Egypt's military is getting stronger and that Israel must keep an eye on it.
On Sudan, a report said Egypt used drones against the Rapid Support Forces, and Turkey delivered advanced drones to Egypt for Sudan operations. On 25 February Egypt condemned an RSF attack on civilians in North Darfur, and it voiced concern over the reported training of Sudan's militia by a neighboring state.
At home, Egypt appointed a new defense minister on 11 February, and President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi promoted the Navy and Air Force commanders to lieutenant general. Parliament approved tougher penalties for evading military and reserve service.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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