The Egyptian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Ahmed Fathy Khalifa made a surprise visit today to the border with the Gaza Strip to inspect security measures in the area – a statement by the army spokesperson said.

Khalifa emphasized that the Egyptian army bears the responsibility of “defending the nation’s territory, no matter the sacrifices required” – per the statement.

The visit comes amid tensions with “Israeli” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who insisted on a permanent “Israeli” presence on the Gazan-Egyptian border, claiming it is necessary to stop weapons smuggling.

Egypt vehemently rejected any form of “Israeli” control on its border with Gaza, saying it violates the 1978 peace accord.