Egypt has strongly denounced statements made by the Israeli Finance Minister regarding the displacement of Gaza residents, stating that they “violate international and humanitarian law.”
Israeli Finance Minister Tzachi Hanegbi suggested that evacuating Gaza residents is the “right humanitarian solution for them and the region.” He expressed his support for an initiative launched by members of the Knesset to voluntarily relocate Gaza residents to countries that agree to accept them.
In response, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry expressed concern over recent irresponsible statements attributed to Israeli government officials. He noted that these statements, in general, contravene the principles and provisions of international law and humanitarian law.
Shoukry described Hanegbi’s remarks as an “expression of the Israeli government’s policies that defy international laws.” He emphasized that any attempt to justify and encourage the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, whether directly or indirectly, is rejected both by Egypt and the international community.
The Egyptian Foreign Minister strongly objected to discussing the displacement process as if it were voluntary, highlighting that the displacement of Gaza residents is a direct result of deliberate military targeting of civilians in the enclave, as well as deliberate acts of blockade and starvation aimed at creating conditions that force people to leave their homes.
Furthermore, Shoukry affirmed Egypt’s steadfast rejection of any policies involving the forced displacement of Palestinians or the deliberate withholding of humanitarian aid and essential services that create intolerable conditions for civilians. He emphasized the need to halt military operations that have resulted in the deaths of civilians, including children and women.
Shoukry underscored Egypt’s unwavering commitment to preserving the legitimate and non-negotiable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to remain on their land, establish a viable independent state with territorial integrity based on the 1967 borders, and have East Jerusalem as their capital. Egypt will continue its efforts to uphold these rights.
These developments reflect the ongoing tensions in the region, and international observers are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that international laws and humanitarian principles are upheld.
