Escalation of Diplomatic Crisis Between Egypt and Israel

Israeli media reported today, Monday, that "Egyptian military officials unexpectedly canceled a meeting with their Israeli counterparts," indicating an escalation in the diplomatic crisis between the two countries. In a move that heightened diplomatic tensions between Egypt and Israel, Cairo announced its support for the lawsuit filed by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice, which accuses Israel of committing acts of genocide in Gaza. Diplomats and legal experts believe that Cairo is trying to pressure Tel Aviv to halt its operation in Rafah; however, it also signals a retreat in mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas, particularly as Egypt has been keen to show restraint given its role as a mediator between the two sides over the past seven months.