Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly stressed on Monday that stability in the region could not be achieved, nor the crisis in Gaza end, without the implementation of a two-state solution.
According to Cairo News Channel, Madbouly, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Riyadh, which commenced yesterday, emphasized the need for all parties to exert pressure to halt the firing in the Gaza Strip. He added that any attack on Palestinian Rafah would represent a major disaster for civilians and would increase displacement. He noted that Cairo has supported the Palestinians in Gaza from the first day of the conflict, with Egypt providing over 85% of the aid to the area.
Madbouly committed to making every effort to prevent any attacks on Palestinian Rafah, revealing that the lives of 2.5 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have deteriorated. He highlighted that the Rafah crossing is open 24 hours a day to deliver aid to Palestinians and pointed out that Egypt has welcomed many from Gaza into Egyptian hospitals to provide necessary medical treatment.
He also mentioned that Egypt hosts 9 million refugees at an annual cost of 10 billion dollars despite global economic challenges.
Since the onset of the conflict on October 7, Egypt has played a crucial role in providing humanitarian assistance and facilitating diplomatic efforts to address the crisis in Gaza. Egypt has actively supported the Palestinian people through substantial aid contributions and medical support. For instance, Egypt has treated wounded Palestinians in its hospitals and set up a field hospital near the Rafah crossing to handle severe cases.
In terms of humanitarian aid, Egypt has managed the influx of thousands of tons of international humanitarian supplies through the Rafah crossing, which remains one of the few lifelines for the besieged Gaza Strip. These efforts are critical, especially as the region faces shortages of essential supplies like food and water amid ongoing airstrikes.
Diplomatically, Egypt has been at the forefront of efforts to broker a ceasefire, reflecting its longstanding role as a mediator in the region. The Egyptian government has engaged with various international parties, including discussions with Iranian officials, to push for a comprehensive ceasefire and ensure the continuous flow of aid. This includes backing United Nations Security Council resolutions aimed at facilitating and monitoring the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
