BETHLEHEM: Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Rula Maayah, said on Wednesday that the destruction caused to archaeological and historical sites in the Gaza Strip is “unprecedented.”
She explained during her meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Finland to Palestine, Päivi Peltokoski, in the city of Bethlehem, that the destruction of these sites is part of targeting the Palestinian national identity.
Maayaa called for obliging the occupation to stop its aggression against Palestinian people and their heritage, stressing that the crimes of the occupation will not discourage Palestinian people from steadfastness and remaining in their land.
She pointed out that the tourism sector suffered millions in losses as a result of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem.
In turn, Peltokoski stressed the need for more cooperation in the tourism field, exchanging experiences and information in the field of attracting tourist groups from various countries of the world,
and carrying out exploratory visits to see what the Palestinian tourism sector possesses in terms of potentials and tourist and archaeological sites.
Source: Palestine news and Information Agency – WAFA
Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi stressed in a phone call with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, on Wednesday 17/1/2024 the urgent need for the international community to push towards an immediate ceasefire and protect civilians in the Gaza Strip.
According to the Egyptian Presidency Spokesman Ahmed Fahmy, El-Sisi and Rutte discussed the latest regional developments. El-Sisi warned that the continuation of the war in Gaza could lead to expanding the conflict, posing a threat to regional and international security.
During the call, El-Sisi highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and underscored Egypt’s ongoing efforts to deliver humanitarian aid as part of its responsibility towards the Palestinians and its dedication to regional stability.
For his part, the Dutch Prime Minister affirmed his country’s support for Egyptian efforts to deliver relief aid to the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the importance of continued consultation and coordination with Egypt to ensure the
restoration of stability in the region.
El-Sisi had met early on Wednesday 17/1/2024 with the Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis in Cairo to discuss the latest regional developments. Both leaders agreed on the urgent need to move quickly towards a just and comprehensive settlement for the Palestinian cause.
Israel’s continued brutal war on the Gaza Strip, which has entered its 103rd day, has killed more than 24,400 civilians, most of whom were women and children, and injured over 60,000 across Gaza.
Source: State Information Service Egypt