President El-Sisi urges Trump to end Gaza tragedy - Foreign Affairs

Al-Ahram Weekly

4 days ago

President El-Sisi made these remarks in a televised address on Monday.
During his speech, the president highlighted Egypt's honourable, sincere, and relentless efforts in supporting the Palestinian people.
'Egyptians, I'm reminding you of this — we do not change: We are committed to finding solutions that de-escalate tensions, bring an end to the war, and lead to a final settlement of the Palestinian cause,' El-Sisi said.
Gaza needs around 600-700 humanitarian aid trucks daily, he added.
Over the past 21 months, Egypt has been committed to facilitating the maximum possible amount of aid into the strip, he noted.
The president also affirmed that the available amount of aid and that which has entered the strip is huge, stressing that nothing obstructs it from the Egyptian side.
'Neither our ethics, values, nor our national and moral responsibility would allow us to hinder it. However, the entry of aid requires coordination with the other party present at the Rafah crossing on the Palestinian side," the president stressed.
He stated that having the Rafah crossing designated for the passage of individuals, its operation is not solely dependent on the Egyptian side.
"The entry of aid and any movement through the Rafah or Karm Abu Salem crossings requires coordination from both sides," he affirmed.
The president added that there are over five crossings connecting the Gaza Strip with both Egyptian and Palestinian territories. "Egypt is linked to Gaza through the Rafah Crossing and the Karm Abu Salem Crossing in one way or another."
Moreover, El-Sisi renewed his call for the international community to exert every possible effort to stop Israel's genocidal war in Gaza, affirming that Egypt is working unwaveringly to alleviate the civilians' suffering exacerbated by the famine.
He also emphasized Egypt's firm stance supporting the two-state solution and rejecting any attempts to displace the Palestinian people or liquidate their cause.
Since 7 October 2023, Egypt has actively mediated efforts, along with Qatar and the United States, to reach a ceasefire, facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid to war-ravaged Gaza, and secure the release of captives.
The president further highlighted that Egypt's consistent position is rooted in its support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
He also urged the EU countries, the United States, and Arab nations to do everything possible to stop the massacres in Gaza, stressing that the humanitarian tragedy there cannot endure any delay.
"Egypt will remain a faithful and trustworthy partner pursuing a just and comprehensive peace. It will continue to support the Palestinian cause, regardless of the challenges," the president concluded.