Egypt rejects Israeli plots to forcibly displace Palestinians to Sinai
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Egyptian official Diaa Rashwan outlines Egypt's stance on the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, stressing that the Palestinian cause is considered a matter of Egyptian national security.
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Chairperson of the Egyptian State Information Service Diaa Rashwan addresses the representatives of syndicates, political forces, and NGOs during a plenary session in Cairo, Egypt, on May 3, 2023. (AFP)
Egypt categorically rejects the Israeli policy of forced displacement of the people of Gaza whether within the Strip or across the border into Eygpt's Sinai, the chairperson of the Egyptian State Information Service, Diaa Rashwan, stated.
Rashwan outlined the main principles that govern Cario's stance regarding the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, as well as the occupation's plots to forcibly displace Palestinians to Sinai.
In a press briefing, the official reiterated Egypt's rejection of the Israeli policy centered around the forced displacement of Palestinians within the Gaza Strip. Rashwan also rejected attempts to transfer Palestinians to Sinai or pressure them to move there via hostile practices.
He pointed out that the occupation has turned the Gaza Strip into a battlefield, especially in the northern areas, to force Palestinians to leave their homes and head toward so-called "safe zones" in Rafah, south of the Strip. He explained that these areas lack essential needs, such as water, food, and shelter.
Read more: Lazzarini warns of Israeli plot to force 1mln Palestinians into Egypt
Cairo will not accept Israeli plots
He stressed that Cairo "will not allow the passage of this plan regardless of the results, and no one can impose a fait accompli by force," indicating that "the Egyptian state has all the tools that enable it to preserve its land and national security."
"Firstly, the plan undermines Egyptian national security and sovereignty, and secondly, it will lead to the complete liquidation of the Palestinian cause."
He stressed that the Palestinian cause is considered a matter of Egyptian national security. Accordingly, Rashwan said the country's leadership is mobilizing efforts in "all seriousness" to preserve it.
The official went on to condemn "Israel's" collective punishment policy, which it has employed against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank. Rashwan condemned the criminal practices of the occupation's military, including the killing and injuring of civilians.
Israel disregards the international community
He also denounced "Israel's" deliberate targeting of infrastructure, hospitals, schools, and UNRWA shelters, as well as the targeting of ambulance crews, journalists, and UNRWA employees.
Regarding the humanitarian truce in Gaza that expired on December 1, he expressed his country's "regret" for the breakdown of this truce, which was mediated by Arab countries.
He revealed that Egypt is currently making efforts to reinstate a truce as a prelude to reaching a final "agreement for a permanent ceasefire."
He added that Cairo is also working to expedite the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Strip, in line with the urgent and essential needs of the Palestinians. He noted that Egypt has kept and will continue to keep the Rafah border crossing open "permanently for individuals and goods, while provocations come from the occupation."
Rashwan pointed out that "Israel" continues to challenge the entire international community with its continuous bombing of the Gaza Strip, launching an unprecedented aggression on Khan Younis in the south of the Strip and expanding its ground incursions.
Read more: Egypt opposes CIA proposal to manage security in Gaza: WSJ
