During a press conference held today, Wednesday, Prime Minister Madbouly explained that Egypt continues its diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to support the people of Gaza. Egypt is focusing on three main areas: a ceasefire, the entry of aid, and the release of prisoners, according to Al-Shorouk News.
The Egyptian Prime Minister added that hundreds of aid trucks, totaling 1,200, have been held up for days and weeks due to Israeli obstinacy in opening crossings, leading to the spoilage of some foodstuffs and costing Egypt heavily. Madbouly emphasized that the lines of trucks extended from Arish to the Rafah crossing, reflecting Egypt’s significant efforts in this regard.
He noted that Egypt’s firm stance was reflected in the final statement of the recent United Nations conference, which called for the establishment of a Palestinian state within 15 months and the unification of Gaza and the West Bank under a single administration, asserting that “starvation is a war crime.”
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty asserted that “the Rafah crossing is open from the Egyptian side, while Israel closes its Palestinian side,” clarifying that “Egypt seeks to open the five land crossings to ensure aid reaches Gaza.” He added that “70% of the aid previously entering Gaza was Egyptian,” and that “Israel uses food as a weapon,” describing the situation in Gaza as “beyond imagination.”
The Foreign Minister pointed out a “fundamental change in global public opinion against Israeli violations.” Abdel Aty explained that “France’s recognition of the Palestinian state in September is a brave step,” noting that “Egypt trains hundreds of Palestinians to take on security roles in Gaza.”
This statement was made during a speech about the developments in the region, according to the official page of the Egyptian presidency on the “X” website. President Sisi’s speech coincides with the entry of aid trucks into the Kerem Abu Salem crossing in preparation for delivery to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
The Egyptian President highlighted the large volume of Egyptian aid trucks ready to enter Gaza and stated that there is nothing preventing their entry into the strip, but stressed the necessity for the Rafah crossing to be opened from the Palestinian side.
Residents of the Gaza Strip are suffering from unprecedented levels of hunger, with UN organizations warning of widespread famine and increasing deaths due to malnutrition, especially among children, the sick, and the disabled.
Since October 7, 2023, until July of this year, the war on Gaza has resulted in the deaths of more than 59,000 Palestinians and approximately 143,000 injuries, according to health ministry data from the sector.
