Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry warned Israel against carrying out any military operation in Rafah, as it would bring serious humanitarian repercussions for the residents of the Gaza Strip and negatively impact the overall stability of the region.
Speaking with the Minister of the Middle East and North Africa in the United Kingdom, Lord Tariq Ahmed, Shoukry stressed the necessity of placing “Pressure on Israel to open all land crossings with the Gaza Strip as it is the most effective path to ensure adequate implementation of aid, as well as ensuring the entry of aid to all areas, including northern Gaza,” according to a statement by Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid.
“During the meeting, the Foreign Minister reaffirmed Egypt’s categorical rejection of any military operation in the Palestinian city of Rafah, due to the grave humanitarian repercussions it would have for the residents of the Gaza Strip, and its consequences on the stability of the region,” the spokesperson added.
He said that Egypt stresses the need for Israel to conform to its responsibilities as the occupying power, the first of which is providing protection for the people under occupation, ensuring that their basic needs are met and that they are not displaced from their land.
The official spokesperson wrapped up his statements by noting that the two ministers stressed the significance of adopting the appropriate political approach to deal with the Palestinian issue – one based on the two-state solution in accordance with international legitimacy.
Shoukry also reiterated the need for international parties to take a different stance than before when negotiating Palestine’s future, coupled with a serious move towards recognizing the Palestinian state and approving its full membership within the United Nations.
