Cairo: President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi described the ongoing war in Gaza as a conflict that has shifted focus from political objectives to one characterized by starvation and genocide. He made these remarks during a press conference with Vietnamese President Luong Cuong at Cairo's Al-Ittihadiya Presidential Palace, emphasizing the dire humanitarian situation in the region.
According to State Information Service Egypt, El-Sisi accused the international community of using the plight of Palestinians as a political bargaining tool, urging an immediate ceasefire and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid. He highlighted his previous appeals to European countries and US President Trump to halt the war and facilitate aid entry into Gaza. The conflict, nearing its two-year mark, has resulted in a complete blockade since March 2023, with only limited relief provided through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). However, the GHF's efforts have faced criticism from international aid organizations due to the deaths of over 1,400 Palestinians at aid distribution points.
El-Sisi expressed concern over the potential erasure of the Palestinian cause and rejected allegations that Egypt is contributing to the blockade. He clarified that before the conflict, hundreds of trucks carrying essential goods entered Gaza daily from Egypt, and emphasized that Egypt has supplied over 70 percent of the aid reaching the region.
Addressing issues at the Rafah border crossing, El-Sisi stated that Egypt has kept it open, while Israel controls the other crossings. Despite repeated destruction, Egypt has repaired the Rafah crossing multiple times and currently has over 5,000 aid trucks ready to enter Gaza. El-Sisi reiterated Egypt's commitment to providing aid and stopping the conflict, condemning the situation as a systematic genocide.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to intensify military operations in Gaza, aiming to dismantle Hamas and secure captives. This announcement followed a call from 600 former Israeli security officials urging the US to pressure Israel to end the war. In a move to reduce aid dependency, Israel also announced a partial reopening of private sector trade with Gaza.
El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's refusal to facilitate the displacement of Palestinians, emphasizing that Egypt serves as a gateway for aid, not displacement. He warned against distractions from the core issues and praised Vietnam's support for Palestinian statehood and a two-state solution. El-Sisi called for an immediate ceasefire, reconstruction, and a lasting solution based on international legitimacy.
Egypt continues to collaborate with Qatar and the US to end the conflict, secure hostage releases, and aid distribution. El-Sisi highlighted Egypt's longstanding mediating role in Gaza conflicts, stressing the historical significance of current events and the eventual accountability of nations involved.