Cairo: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has declared the ongoing conflict in Gaza as one characterized by starvation and genocide, aimed at eliminating the Palestinian cause. He stressed Egypt's collaborative efforts with Qatar and the United States to halt the conflict and provide aid to those affected.
According to Qatar News Agency, during a joint press conference with Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, El Sisi addressed the dire situation in the Middle East. He highlighted the ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions, end the violence in Gaza, and support the Palestinian quest for an independent state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
El Sisi criticized the use of Palestinian lives as political leverage, while the international community largely remains passive to the events unfolding in Gaza. He affirmed Egypt's longstanding commitment to preventing escalation between Gaza and Israel, emphasizing that the Rafah crossing has remained open throughout the conflict, despite frequent destruction and repair efforts.
He highlighted Egypt's historical role in mediating peace in Gaza, noting this is the fifth time Egypt has actively worked to cease hostilities. Despite challenges, Egypt continues to play a crucial role in delivering aid, with over 5,000 aid trucks poised at the border, awaiting entry to assist the beleaguered population.
President El Sisi dismissed claims that Egypt was blocking aid, asserting the crossing's openness, hindered only by the presence of Israeli forces on the Palestinian side. He reiterated Egypt's commitment to facilitating aid delivery while ensuring the crossing is not used for the displacement of Palestinians.
In collaboration with Qatar and the USA, Egypt aims to end the conflict and secure the release of hostages, reinforcing its position as a vital humanitarian conduit. El Sisi called for global conscience to awaken to the humanitarian crisis and assured that Egypt will persist as a key player in diplomatic and humanitarian efforts in the region.