Israeli war on Gaza created a humanitarian tragedy: Egypt FM
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Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said five crossings must operate at full capacity to adapt to the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
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Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry holds a joint press conference with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during Blinken's visit to Cairo, Egypt, Thursday, March 21, 2024. (AP)
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said that the Israeli war on Gaza created a major humanitarian tragedy for the Palestinians.
He stressed that Egypt is continuing its efforts to establish a ceasefire in Gaza and bring in more aid.
In a press conference on May 20 with his Greek counterpart Georgios Gerapetritis, in Athens, Shoukry added that they are still working on reaching a ceasefire in Gaza and bringing in more aid into the Strip because the situation is worsening.
He revealed that he discussed with his Greek counterpart Egypt's efforts to prevent the displacement of Palestinians and not end their cause.
Shoukry said that the only solution to stop the war in Gaza is a "two-state solution."
He added that Egypt continued to open the Rafah crossing since the first day of the Israeli aggression on Gaza, pointing out that 65% of the aid entering Gaza was contributions from the Egyptian civil society, he said.
Shoukry said that five other crossings must operate at full capacity to adapt to the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The Egyptian Foreign Minister further warned against the negative repercussions of expanding Israeli military operations in Rafah adding that the latter exposes aid convoys to danger and restricts their entry into Gaza.
Egypt rejected Israeli proposal for joint coordination to reopen Rafah
Egypt has rejected an Israeli proposal for joint coordination to reopen the Rafah crossing between Egypt's Sinai Peninsula and the Gaza Strip, along with managing its future operation, Reuters reported on May 16, citing Egyptian security sources.
Israeli officials from the Shin Bet security service introduced the plan during a visit to Cairo on May 15 amid heightened tensions between the two sides following the recent Israeli aggression on the city of Rafah in southern Gaza and the occupation of the main Rafah crossing with Egypt.
The crossing has historically served as a vital conduit for humanitarian aid entering Gaza and as an exit point for medical evacuees. Egypt insists that the crossing should be managed solely by Palestinian authorities.
Throughout the week, Cairo and Tel Aviv have exchanged accusations regarding the closure of the border crossing and the consequent hindrance of humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza Strip.
Egypt stressed that the closure of Rafah is solely due to the Israeli military operation, repeatedly cautioning that the Israeli offensive seeks to empty Gaza and forcibly displace Palestinians into the North African country.
