Satellite images appear to show extensive construction work in progress along Egypt's border with Gaza, which reports claim is being carried out in preparation for housing Palestinian refugees.
Unnamed Egyptian sources reportedly said the work is being done in order to set up an isolated buffer zone containing a walled enclosure in Egypt's North Sinai province in case Israel goes ahead with its planned ground offensive in Gaza's southernmost city, Rafah.
According to a report published by a human rights group, seven-metre-high walls are being constructed in the zone.
Egypt has publicly denied making any such preparations.
Defence Minister Yoav Gallant also said Israel "has no intention of evacuating Palestinian civilians to Egypt".
Since the start of the Gaza war following Hamas's attack on Israel on 7 October, Egypt has consistently said it would not open its border to refugees.
It has taken that stance partly because it does not want to appear complicit in the large-scale displacement of Palestinians, but also out of economic and security concerns.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears set on a major offensive in Rafah - where some 1.4 million people are sheltering - despite a chorus of international warnings.
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