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Al-Ahram Weekly
3 days ago
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
North Sinai governor defends Egypt's stance on Rafah crossing, rejects claims of neglecting Gaza - Foreign Affairs
North Sinai Governor Khaled Megawer on Friday defended Egypt's handling of the Rafah border crossing, pushing back against accusations that Cairo has arbitrarily closed the crossing or failed to support Palestinians in Gaza. In an interview with Sada El-Balad TV, Megawer said Egypt operates 'within the framework of international laws and agreements' and stressed that its decisions are shaped by national and regional security considerations. 'There are international regulations and treaties, as well as regional security considerations in the Middle East that must be taken into account,' Megawer said, responding to recent public demands to 'open the Rafah crossing by force.' 'We are managing a sovereign state with utmost courage and wisdom,' he added. 'I will not jeopardize Egypt's security and thereby cause the collapse of the state, the Middle East and the whole Arab world to satisfy reckless demands.' Megawer dismissed what he called widespread misconceptions about the crossing, arguing that Egypt cannot be expected to force it open unilaterally. 'Should we go to war then? And with whom? The US?' he asked. 'Egypt has already fought four conventional wars and battled terrorism for 11 years, enduring significant economic hardship,' he said. He stressed that no one has the 'right' to question or undermine Egypt's 'commitment or sacrifices.' Megawer also recalled President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi's early stance against the forced displacement of Palestinians following the start of Israel's genocidal war on Gaza in October 2023. 'Even when US President Donald Trump spoke about the relocation of Palestinian population to Egypt or Jordan, Egypt has reaffirmed its stance: we will not displace the Palestinian people,' he said. Israel's control over crossings The governor also sought to clarify the status of various crossings into Gaza, underscoring that many are under Israeli control. 'There are multiple crossings to Gaza with the Israeli side,' Megawer said, citing Beit Hanoun for individual travel to the occupied West Bank and Karm Abu Salem for humanitarian aid—both controlled by Israel. He added that crossings like Sufa, Nahal Oz, and Karni were closed by Israel between 2008 and 2010. 'The Rafah crossing in southern Gaza is for individuals only and has never been shut by Egypt,' he said. However, he noted that the crossing has two components—one controlled by Egypt and the other by Palestinians. The latter, he said, is currently 'shut by Israel.' 'During ceasefires, the Palestinian Authority (PA) used to manage the Palestinian-controlled side,' he added. Humanitarian aid and Egypt's burden Addressing humanitarian efforts, Megawer said Egypt has worked 'tirelessly' with international partners to deliver aid to Gaza in recent days. 'A large number of aid trucks have entered, mostly carrying essential food supplies like flour and baby formula,' he said. Despite contributions from other nations, he emphasized Egypt's outsized role: 'Egypt bears the heaviest burden—security-wise, logistically, and economically,' he said, claiming Egypt's share of aid to be about 80 or 90 percent. Since Wednesday, 444 aid trucks have entered Gaza via the Zikim and Karm Abu Salem crossings. Political mediation amid famine and war Megawer concluded by outlining Egypt's dual approach to the war: mediation and aid delivery. 'Egypt has been actively mediating ceasefire efforts in Gaza, aiming to bridge gaps between Israel and Hamas,' he said. These efforts seek a permanent ceasefire, prisoner exchanges, and the urgent and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen. International organizations have accused Israel of using mass-starvation as a weapon of war against the Strip's 2.3 million population, describing the situation as a 'man-made famine.' Since October 2023, Israeli genocidal war on Gaza has killed over 59,700 Palestinians, most of them women and children, and injured over 150,000 others, according to Gaza's health ministry. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Egypt Today
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Today
New Rafah city thriving, not designed for Palestinian displacement: North Sinai governor
A file photo of New Rafah city CAIRO – 4 April 2025: Governor of North Sinai Khaled Megawer has emphasized that New Rafah City is progressing steadily toward development and stability, refuting claims that the city is inactive or intended for the relocation of Palestinians. In press remarks, the governor addressed the 'mere unfounded' allegations regarding the city's purpose, stating that New Rafah is a significant national project aimed at reconstruction and providing decent housing for citizens affected by previous events in the area. Megawer noted that the governorate is paying special attention to the city's infrastructure, including schools, healthcare centers, and essential services, with daily monitoring to ensure the best offerings for residents. He further affirmed the state's commitment to the development of Sinai and the achievement of social justice for its inhabitants, stating that rumors of Palestinian relocation intentions or a lack of services are attempts to distort the government's efforts in Sinai development. Egypt has repeatedly rejected Israeli-US plans to displace Gaza residents toward Sinai amid the ongoing Israeli war in the enclave, describing the deportation of Palestinians as a 'red line.' On Monday, millions of Egyptians participated in protests nationwide after Eid Al-Fitr prayers, emphasizing strong support for the leadership's rejection of attempts to displace Gaza residents and eradicate the Palestinian cause.
Egypt Independent
22-02-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
Egypt sends first batch of mobile caravans to Gaza
Egyptian authorities in North Sinai brought in the first batch of mobile prefabricated homes/caravans to the Gaza Strip on Friday, through Karem Abu-Salem crossing, south of Rafah city. The caravans had spent several days queued in front of the main gate of the Rafah land crossing. North Sinai Governor Khaled Megawer confirmed the entry of the first batch of the prefabricated homes into Gaza Strip. He pointed out that the terms of the agreement signed between the Palestinian and Israeli sides include the entry of 60,000 prefabricated homes, 200,000 tents and heavy equipment, as per the first and second phases of the truce agreement. An official source in North Sinai stated that Egypt has proven successful in pressuring Israel to allow the entry of the caravans into Gaza so Palestinians in need can take protection from the harsh winter weather. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi arrived in Saudi Arabia on Friday, coming from Spain, to participate in an 'unofficial' meeting – according to a statement by the Egyptian presidency – at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The National Public Radio in the US reported that Arab leaders are meeting in Saudi Arabia to exchange ideas on an alternative vision for the future of Gaza that differs from that proposed by US President Donald Trump. Leaders from Egypt, Jordan and five Gulf states attended the meeting. A member of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs Diaa Helmy said that the meeting represents an extraordinary step to confront the challenges of the region and the Palestinian cause. The Palestinian issue has reached a crossroads that requires a harmonious and consistent Arab position, he added. Meanwhile, Hamas handed over the remains of four Israeli hostages to the Red Cross in the city of Khan Yunis, Gaza. Qassam Brigades, the movement's military wing, announced the handover of the deceased hostages and assured its desire to respect the sanctity of the dead and their grieving families – even after Israel's accusations that they held no regard for the hostage's lives.
CairoScene
11-02-2025
- General
- CairoScene
Night Fishing is Permitted in North Sinai After Years-Long Pause
Night fishing in the Mediterranean sea is once again permitted in the governorate of North Sinai. Feb 11, 2025 North Sinai Governor General Dr. Khaled Megawer announced the resumption of night fishing in the Mediterranean sea from the Arish seaport, after a halt that lasted over five years. The decision to resume night fishing was overseen by relevant authorities to ensure the safety of fishermen and organise fishing practices in accordance with approved regulations.
Iraqi News
29-01-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Egypt.. Securing relief trucks through Rafah crossing to reach the Palestinian territories
Cairo - INA The Egyptian authorities confirmed, on Wednesday, their continued efforts to support relief efforts for the Palestinian people by securing the passage of hundreds of trucks loaded with fuel, food, medicine and relief supplies daily through the Rafah crossing to reach the Palestinian territories, announcing their readiness to hold a conference to rebuild the sector. North Sinai Governor Khaled Megawer confirmed to the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that "his country continues its efforts to overcome obstacles and provide logistical facilities to supervise the passage of more than 300 relief trucks daily, ten of which are designated for fuel." Megawer said: "Egypt has intensified its efforts to secure the passage of hundreds of trucks daily from the Rafah land crossing," noting that "the next step during the coming week will be coordination between the Egyptian and Palestinian ministries of health to bring the wounded and injured through the Rafah land crossing to Egyptian hospitals," stressing "his country Egypt's readiness to hold an international conference to rebuild Gaza." For his part, the Director of the Refugee Affairs Department, Abdul Rahman Nour El-Din, confirmed to the Iraqi News Agency (INA), "The continued passage of relief trucks through the Rafah crossing to the Palestinian territories." In turn, the official spokesman for Al-Azhar Sheikhdom, Abdul Aleem Qishta, praised the Egyptian efforts with all its institutions and civil society organizations to pass and secure hundreds of trucks daily since the start of the decision to implement the first phase of the truce," explaining that "Egypt has intensified its logistical efforts to implement the agreement in the stages of the truce and provide logistical support and ensure the arrival of trucks from the Rafah crossing to the Palestinian territories."
