Ursula von der Leyen's visit to Egypt reflects European fears that the expulsion of 2.3 Palestinians from Gaza would create an unprecedented wave of illegal migrants to Europe across the Mediterranean

There are fears in Egypt that new regional maritime projects will decrease Suez Canal's geostrategic relevance

Egypt has repeatedly rejected any attempt to push Palestinians in Gaza to the Sinai. It will also almost certainly reject taking control over the enclave after the current Israeli assault ends.

Cairo believes that the expulsion of Palestinians in Gaza will be followed by the expulsion of Palestinians from the Israeli-occupied West Bank, along with Palestinian citizens of Israel, to Jordan.

Egyptian officials have been talking to Iran since Israel's war on Gaza began earlier this month and warning of potentially catastrophic consequences for the region should the conflict expand.

Egypt's National Security Council condemned attempts to kill the Palestinian issue at the expense of neighbouring countries and reemphasises the need for a two-state solution

While a mass exodus of Palestinians from Gaza would be a dream for Israel, Egyptians worry this could effectively end the dream of a Palestinian state.

Egypt makes contacts to broker a cessation of hostilities between Gaza and Israel, amid fears of spillover effects of the war.

Egypt, the world's second-largest IMF borrower, has managed to reach several agreements, yet failed to achieve reform goals in the process. Now, Egyptians are bearing the brunt.

Al Majalla is publishing a series of articles about the war and its lasting impact on the region.