Egypt sets strict protocols for Gaza border access amid the Soumoud Convoy arrival
In a statement released Wednesday evening, Egypt welcomed international and regional positions, both official and popular, that support Palestinian rights and reject the siege, starvation, and blatant, systematic Israeli violations against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. Egypt affirmed its continued efforts at all levels to end the aggression on the Strip and alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe affecting over 2 million Palestinian brethren.
The Ministry emphasized that, 'in light of recent requests and inquiries regarding visits by foreign delegations to the border area adjacent to Gaza, specifically the city of Al-Arish and the Rafah Crossing, to express support for Palestinian rights, Egypt stresses the necessity of obtaining prior approvals for such visits.'
Egypt underscored that 'the only way for Egyptian authorities to continue considering such requests is by adhering to the regulatory controls and mechanism in place since the start of the war on Gaza. This involves submitting an official request to Egyptian embassies abroad, or through requests made by foreign embassies in Cairo, or representatives of organizations to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.' The Ministry also noted that 'numerous visits by foreign delegations, both governmental and non-governmental human rights organizations, have previously been arranged.'
Egypt affirmed the importance of adhering to these established regulatory controls to ensure the security of visiting delegations, given the sensitive situation in that border region since the onset of the Gaza crisis. It stated that 'no requests or responses will be considered for invitations received outside the framework defined by the established organizational controls and mechanism.' It also highlighted the importance of citizens from all countries adhering to the laws and regulations governing entry into Egyptian territory, including obtaining the necessary visas or prior permits.
Finally, Egypt reiterated its steadfast position in supporting the steadfastness of the Palestinian people on their land and rejecting blatant Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law. It emphasized the importance of pressuring Israel to end the blockade on the Strip and allow humanitarian access through all routes and Israeli crossings with the Strip.
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