Thousands of Israelis fleeing Iranian strikes are pouring through Egypt’s Taba crossing, triggering a wave of fury and fear among Egyptians already on edge from the spiraling Middle East crisis.
The scenes at Taba—normally a quiet crossing for tourists—have turned dramatic. Buses packed with Israeli nationals, including diplomats and expats, have rolled in steadily since air raid sirens first blared across Tel Aviv last week. Most of them don’t stay long. They board quick shuttle flights from Sharm el-Sheikh to European capitals. But their brief presence has left a long trail of frustration in Egypt.
A Border Open for Some, Closed for Others
The backlash isn’t just about numbers. It’s about optics.
The contrast is jarring. Egyptians see Palestinians dying just miles away in Gaza, denied food, water, or even exit from the Rafah crossing. Yet at Taba, Israelis are checked through swiftly. No endless queues. No bureaucratic nightmare. And definitely no denial of entry.
That double standard—real or perceived—has reignited old resentments.
One activist on X (formerly Twitter) put it bluntly: “Palestinians are left starving, while Israelis get four-star hotels in Sinai. This is betrayal.”
Anger Has History Behind It
This isn’t just about what’s happening now. The resentment taps into decades of baggage.
Back in 1989, Egypt signed a tourism agreement with Israel allowing its citizens to enter South Sinai visa-free via Taba. The deal includes perks: 14-day stays, minimal customs checks, and no entry fees. It was part of a broader peace effort, sure, but now it feels lopsided.
Mohamed Saif Al-Dawla, who heads Egyptians Against Zionism, told local media the whole setup smacks of colonial privilege.
“These aren’t just tourists anymore. They’re citizens of a country bombing Gaza. The context matters,” he said.
A short paragraph for natural pacing.
Israeli Privileges Stir Deeper Questions
Beyond the public anger, there’s real discomfort within Egypt’s political circles too.
Security experts are worried. With so many Israelis entering so fast, are background checks slipping? Is intelligence being gathered under the radar?
Al-Dawla says it’s not just about optics. It’s about exposure. “The Sinai isn’t just a vacation spot. It’s a vulnerable security zone. And we’re letting in potential threats.”
Even some officials are uneasy. A mid-ranking tourism officer from South Sinai told us under anonymity:
- Most Israeli bookings are one-night stays.
- Very little local spending happens.
- Hotels see occupancy but not much revenue.
“It’s not tourism. It’s transit,” he added flatly.
Still, the crossings continue.
Table: Key Differences in Border Treatment
| Group | Border Crossing | Entry Fees | Visa Requirement | Stay Duration | Aid Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Israeli Nationals | Taba (to Sinai) | None | No (14-day rule) | 14 days | Full |
| Palestinians | Rafah (to Egypt) | Varied | Yes | Limited | Blocked |
| Egyptian Citizens | Re-entering Israel | Delayed | Yes | Case-by-case | N/A |
Egyptians in Israel Face the Other Side
While Israelis post on social media about relaxing at Sinai resorts, Egyptian nationals living in Israel report a very different picture.
The Association of Egyptians in Israel says returning home through Taba is almost impossible. The procedures are lengthy, unclear, and frequently end in rejection.
One Egyptian engineer, who requested anonymity, said he was turned back three times.
“They asked dozens of questions. Made me wait hours. And finally, said there was no clearance for re-entry.”
It didn’t stop there. He lost his job for trying to return.
Diplomatic Quiet, But Civil Rage
Cairo has stayed quiet on the issue publicly. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry continues to stress its “regional peacekeeping responsibilities.” Western diplomats even praised the country for helping foreigners exit Israel.
But the silence is deafening to many Egyptians. Especially as humanitarian convoys to Gaza remain stuck in bureaucratic purgatory.
Ahmed, a university student in Cairo, summed it up: “We get lectures on sovereignty and dignity. But when the bombs fall, it’s Israelis who find safety here, not Palestinians.”
Meanwhile, online posts like these have gone viral:
“Welcome to Sinai. Israelis enter like it’s Tel Aviv. Egyptians can’t even leave Cairo without permits.”
Strained Ties Beneath the Surface
All this puts more pressure on an already fragile Egypt-Israel relationship. Public opinion in Egypt has always been cold on normalization, but the war with Iran has turned up the heat.
Israel’s strikes on Gaza, West Bank raids, and its refusal to allow aid in, have cast it as the aggressor in Egyptian eyes. Hosting Israeli nationals—even temporarily—feels like complicity.
Seif Al-Dawla warns of deeper rifts. “Sinai isn’t a playground for escaping Israelis. It’s Egyptian land. Letting them in this way opens the door to new settler fantasies.”
Taba was once a symbol of peace—won back through legal arbitration. Now, it’s become a symbol of something else entirely.
