Egypt’s top local diplomat has defended the rigour of his country’s security checks applied to Palestinians seeking to come to Australia, following the political uproar over the Albanese government offering safe haven to thousands of Gazans.

Ambassador Hani Nagi told AFR Weekend Egypt was determined to ensure it was not used as a transit point for terrorists as he warned about the risk of escalation following Israel’s devastating strike against Hezbollah terrorists after detonating pagers and walkie-talkies.