Egyptian soldiers and police special forces are seen during a launch of a major assault against militants in the Sinai peninsula. Photo credit: ReutersEgypt responded to global reports about Armed Forces stationed in the Sinai Peninsula, stressing that the military presence is to secure Egypt against “all threats, including terrorism and smuggling,” Ahram Online reported on 21 September, citing Egypt’s State Information Services (SIS). Israeli politicians, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have also repeatedly expressed their commitment to the idea of “Greater Israel” which entails geographical expansion that encompasses land from the Sinai Peninsula. Since the beginning of Israel’s war on Gaza, more than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 156,000 wounded, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The classification is based on extreme food shortages, rising malnutrition, and deaths linked to starvation.