Meet Ibrahim al-Organi, the Sinai tribal leader under scrutiny over Gaza war

About 15 years ago, Sinai tribal leader Ibrahim Organi was in jail, suffering what he described as "severe torture" by senior police officers. 

The same man, now 50 years old, is currently considered one of the closest allies to President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and the Egyptian military. He owns a gigantic business empire spanning construction, quarry mining, travel, hospitality and private security. 

Since the Gaza war broke out on 7 October, during which Israel has imposed a strict blockade on the Palestinian enclave, Organi has wielded significant influence on the movement of people and goods between Gaza and neighbouring Egypt through his companies.

"Never in the history of Egypt has there been a militia so promoted and publicised like Organi's," said Mohannad Sabry, a security analyst and Sinai expert. 

Two Sinai tribal sources downplayed Organi's potential as a challenger of the state. "For us, he is a front for the state," said Masaad Abu Fajr, from the Romaylat tribe. "He has committed war crimes, but his actions reflect the state, not the Sinai residents."

The state policy, according to Sabry, is to "make money out of the dire situation in Gaza".

"The state is outsourcing this business to someone who can do it on their behalf. Organi is a front. He's a name. It could be replaced on any given day," he said.

READ MORE: Meet Ibrahim al-Organi, the Sinai tribal leader under scrutiny over Gaza war