Egyptian President Abdel-Fatah al-Sissi has issued a stern warning regarding the potential displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to Egypt, amidst the ongoing intense bombardment carried out by Israel. This call comes as concerns grow in Egypt, the first Arab country to sign a peace treaty with Israel, about a mass influx of people into the Sinai Peninsula as Israel prepares for a ground offensive.
The situation is further compounded by the closure of Egypt’s Rafah border crossing into Gaza, the only entry point not controlled by Israel. However, there is mounting pressure on both Egypt and Israel to reopen the crossing, particularly for aid deliveries.
During a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, President Al-Sissi made a clear stance, stating, “Egypt vehemently rejects any attempt to resolve the Palestinian cause through military intervention or forced displacement.” He emphasized the infeasibility and risks associated with forcibly displacing the people of Gaza to Egypt and the people of the West Bank to Jordan, proposing that if there were any proposals for expulsion, the Negev desert in Israel could be an alternative solution.
The Israeli bombardment was prompted by a surprise attack on October 7, where hundreds of Islamist militants crossed the border from Gaza into Israel, targeting civilian communities and a music festival.
In addition to the military assault, Israel has imposed a stringent blockade on Gaza, preventing the entry of essential supplies such as food, fuel, and medicine. This dire situation has raised concerns about the living conditions faced by civilians in the impoverished territory.
Al-Sissi exclaimed at the press conference, “The complete blockade on the Gaza Strip and the deliberate denial of aid to its inhabitants demonstrate a clear intention to ultimately relocate the Palestinians to Egypt. We categorically reject the liquidation of the Palestinian cause and any attempt to displace them to Sinai.”
Furthermore, the Egyptian President cautioned that the ongoing military operations could have severe humanitarian and military consequences, potentially escalating tensions and plunging the region into a dangerous cycle of violence.
It is crucial for both Egypt and the international community to address these concerns and prioritize the well-being and safety of the people of Gaza. The situation demands the urgent reinstatement of aid access and the pursuit of a peaceful resolution that upholds the rights of the Palestinian people.
[dpa/NAN]
