Home Business Oil and Gas Egypt Faces Backlash over $35 ...

Egypt Faces Backlash over $35 Billion Gas Deal with Israel amid Gaza Conflict

Oil and Gas

BusinessHonor - Egypt’s $35B Israel Gas Deal Sparks Backlash

Business Honor
11 August, 2025

Egypt-Israel gas deal sparks outrage amid Gaza war, seen as economic complicity and betrayal.

Egypt is facing mounting criticism following the announcement of a $35 billion natural gas agreement with Israel, with widespread condemnation from activists and commentators who see the move as economic partnership during a time of war. The deal signed between Egypt and Israel’s NewMed Energy is the largest of its kind in Israel’s history. It will triple the volume of gas exported from Israel’s Leviathan offshore field to Egypt, totaling around 130 billion cubic meters through 2040.

The agreement's timing has angered rights activists and people online. Many contend that it contradicts Egypt's declared opposition to Israel's current military campaign in Gaza, which has sparked charges of genocide and war crimes from throughout the world. By forging such a significant economic alliance with Tel Aviv, the Egyptian government is accused by critics of covertly aiding the conflict.

Social media users and experts have also raised questions about the origin of the gas itself, with some claiming the resources were historically Palestinian, and even Egyptian, before Israel’s control over the region was established. “This is not just trade but its complicity,” wrote one Egyptian activist on social media. Others pointed out that Israel had previously limited Egypt's access to gas during regional crises resulting in energy shortages at home.

Despite President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's vocal denunciations of the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, Egyptian authorities' suppression of pro-Palestinian solidarity activities at home has sparked claims of hypocrisy. In contrast to the tragedy in Gaza, where more than 60,000 Palestinians are said to have died and important restrictions still impede humanitarian aid, the opponents struggle that the gas contract symbolizes closer political and financial relations.