This archive report was first published on 21 June 2020.
On the eve of a virtual meeting of Arab League foreign ministers on Libya, the GNA declined to participate, citing Egypt's threat as a major reason.
On Saturday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi warned that if pro-GNA forces advanced on the strategic city of Sirte, it could provoke a direct intervention by Cairo.
The GNA responded by calling the threat a 'declaration of war', saying it was unacceptable for Egypt to interfere in Libya's internal affairs.
Oil-rich Libya has been torn by violence since the 2011 toppling of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi, with a power struggle between the Tripoli-based GNA and strongman Khalifa Haftar ongoing since 2015.
Haftar has been trying to seize the capital since April 2019, with support from neighbouring Egypt, Russia and the United Arab Emirates.
However, since the start of June, increased Turkish support has enabled pro-GNA forces to take control of northwest Libya, ending Haftar's assault on Tripoli.
The GNA advance is now halted outside the coastal city of Sirte, a strategic access point to Libya's key oil fields which remains under Haftar's control.
"All of Libya is a red line," the GNA said in response to Sisi's declaration. "Whatever the dispute between Libyans, we will not allow our people to be insulted or threatened."
"This is a hostile act, direct interference and amounts to a declaration of war," the GNA said in a statement.
