Al-ula: Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty accentuated that Egypt's vision regarding the Gaza issue is clear and focuses on the necessity of an immediate ceasefire, ending the daily killings and genocide occurring in the Gaza Strip under the nose of the world, in addition to stopping Israeli policies that constitute flagrant violations of international law in the West Bank.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Abdelatty made these remarks in an exclusive interview with Al Arabiya Al Hadath channel on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in Saudi Arabia's Al-Ula city. He emphasized that a ceasefire must be realized immediately after the transitional arrangements in the Gaza Strip are completed, where the Palestinian Administrative Committee manages the Strip temporarily, paving the way for enabling the Palestinian Authority to assume its role.
Abdelatty highlighted that Gaza should be governed solely by Palestinians, with Egypt providing support and assistance. The international committee mentioned in US President Donald Trump's plan is intended to support the Palestinian committee and then the Palestinian Authority, facilitating full management of Gaza and its unification with the West Bank as a precursor to establishing the Palestinian state.
He noted that President Trump's plan includes several positive elements, such as the immediate end to the war, full rejection of the annexation of the West Bank, unification with Gaza, and complete rejection of Palestinian displacement. Abdelatty stressed the importance of building on these positive elements, acknowledging that some issues require broad and deep discussion to reach consensus, especially regarding on-the-ground implementation.
Abdelatty confirmed that Egypt will not allow the displacement of Palestinians, emphasizing that neither the Arab peoples nor the free world will accept this as it would constitute ethnic cleansing. He reiterated that there is no moral, ethical, or legal justification for Palestinians to leave their land, asserting their historic right to it.
He explained that the Rafah border crossing on the Egyptian side will be used exclusively for the entry of aid into Gaza and will not serve as a gateway for injustice or displacement. Abdelatty stated that the Egyptian side has repeatedly declared that Rafah Crossing is open 24/7, with over seven thousand aid trucks waiting on the Egyptian side, while the real problem lies with the Israeli side, which keeps the crossing closed from the Palestinian side.
Abdelatty noted that Israel, as the occupying power, holds the legal responsibility to open the crossings for the entry of essential and humanitarian aid into the Strip. Regarding the fate of Hamas, he affirmed that this matter will be decided by the Palestinian people themselves, but Egypt will seek to establish a Palestinian administrative authority to rule the Strip temporarily with international support.
He clarified that the administration's members will be technocrats, not faction members, and therefore Hamas will have no role in managing the Strip after the ceasefire. Abdelatty also highlighted the impact of the ongoing escalation on Egypt, noting that government agencies and the state budget have already sustained losses of 9 billion dollars since the crisis in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden began.
On the Red Sea governance, Abdelatty stated that its governance is solely the responsibility of its littoral states, excluding non-coastal countries, particularly landlocked African states, such as Ethiopia. He mentioned ongoing consultations with Saudi Arabia on future arrangements, emphasizing that Egypt and Saudi Arabia primarily bear the responsibility for Red Sea governance.
Regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Abdelatty stated that negotiations are at a deadlock, with Egypt reserving its right to defend its existential interests and water rights. He warned that a prolonged drought could pose a grave threat without a legally binding agreement on the dam's operation.
Commenting on Ethiopia's unilateral actions, Abdelatty underscored the urgent need for a legally binding agreement on the GERD's operation, warning of grave repercussions without coordination with downstream countries. He reaffirmed Egypt's readiness to take action should any harm be inflicted on its or Sudan's vital interests.
On Sudan, Abdelatty expressed Egypt's deep sorrow over the ongoing violence and destruction, reaffirming support for the Sudanese state and its national institutions, particularly the armed forces. He highlighted Cairo's intensive efforts to resolve the crisis by working toward the implementation of the outcomes of the September 19 Quartet Statement on Sudan.