CAIRO, 23 October 2024 — In the wake of escalating violence and humanitarian crises in Gaza, Egypt has intensified its diplomatic and humanitarian initiatives to alleviate suffering among the Palestinian population.
Following the outbreak of violence on October 7, Egypt swiftly condemned the situation and has consistently warned of the dire consequences of neglecting the Palestinian question, even amid normalization efforts between Israel and other Arab nations. The country has been vocal about the expansion of violence not only in Gaza but also in the West Bank, Yemen, Iran, and Lebanon.
International Advocacy for Palestinian Rights
Egypt hosted one of the first conferences addressing the Gaza crisis on October 21, gathering regional and international leaders. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi criticized the disparity in how the international community responds to conflicts, notably contrasting the situation in Gaza with the war in Ukraine. He has called attention to issues such as the siege on Gaza, collective punishment, and civilian casualties.
Egypt continues to advocate for a ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access, emphasizing the need for a viable two-state solution to revitalize Palestinian statehood after years of stagnation.
Refugee Concerns and Humanitarian Aid
The issue of Palestinian displacement remains a significant concern for Egypt, which has historically rejected proposals to relocate Palestinians to Sinai. Egypt maintains that any such displacement would not serve as justification for Israeli military actions in the region.
In terms of humanitarian efforts, the Rafah border crossing has been kept operational 24/7 since October 2023, allowing for substantial aid deliveries. According to the State Information Service, approximately 80% of all aid entering Gaza is provided by Egypt, with significant amounts of medical supplies, food, and water being transported.
Egypt’s Air Force has also been involved in dropping aid into northern Gaza, responding to the urgent needs of the population amid restrictions on aid access imposed by Israel.
Mediation Efforts and International Legal Actions
Egypt has played a key mediating role between Israel and Hamas, facilitating exchanges and ceasefire agreements. Additionally, Egypt is involved in ongoing reconciliation talks between Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Fatah.
On the legal front, Egypt announced its participation in South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which has recognized the plausibility of genocide claims and declared the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories as illegal.
Overall, Egypt’s comprehensive approach aims to address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term political solutions for the Palestinian cause.
