Clash between Israel and Egypt over border control threatens Gaza ceasefire attempt. Netanyahu rejects a troop withdrawal and the release of Palestinian prisoners demanded by Hamas to free dozens of hostages during a six-week truce.
Tension between the countries has skyrocketed due to the intention of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to exercise greater control and occupy a narrow border corridor with Egypt. Behind Cairo's unease with Israel that disrupts the negotiation of a ceasefire, is the fear that the expansion of the military offensive towards southern Gaza could lead to a massive expulsion of Gazans to the Sinai Peninsula.