Cairo:Egypt has firmly rejected recent remarks by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich that involved the Sinai Peninsula, as reported by Egypt's state-run Middle East News Agency (MENA).

According to Anadolu Agency, an informed source stated that Egypt "categorically" refuses any attempt to involve Sinai in Smotrich's statements, labeling them as "empty threats." These remarks coincided with Egypt's celebrations of the 53rd anniversary of its victory in the October 1973 war.

The source further commented that the statements did not necessitate any additional assurances about Egypt's capability to defend its territory and maintain its independence against threats. The remarks from Smotrich, concerning the Sinai and the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, were described as an attempt to use inflammatory rhetoric for electoral gain.

The source emphasized that the international community is aware of the Israeli occupation's role in deteriorating living conditions in Gaza, aiming to displace residents and undermine the Palestinian cause. Egypt, the source added, rejects such actions and will not be part of them.

Furthermore, the source asserted that Egypt opposes its name being entangled in political maneuvering and stands against interference in the internal affairs of any nation. Smotrich had previously stated that Egypt would lose Sinai if it attacked Israel, a comment made in the context of Egypt's commemoration of the 1973 war, which eventually led to the return of Sinai after Israeli occupation.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi reiterated on Monday that the Egyptian armed forces are prepared to defend the nation, its resources, and its national security at all times. This statement aligns with the historical context of Egypt and Israel's peace treaty, signed in 1979 after the Camp David Accords, which ended hostilities and ensured Israel's withdrawal from Sinai.