During a press conference with his German counterpart, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi emphasised Egypt’s stringent measures since September 2016 to prevent any illegal migration boats from heading towards Europe.
Broadcasted by Cairo News Channel, El-Sisi stated, “We have not allowed our citizens to be thrown into the sea, nor will we be a reason for compromising the security and stability of our partners in Europe.”
The conference also covered extensive discussions on the situation in Gaza, highlighting the urgency of a ceasefire, mechanisms for aid delivery, and the release of detainees, as well as post-war strategies.
El-Sisi noted, “Europe must play a significant role in the Palestinian issue at this stage to encourage the parties involved.
Egypt, in cooperation with Qatar and the USA, has played a positive role with Hamas, but Europe’s influence provides an additional impetus towards achieving a comprehensive solution and lasting stability.”
In Jult, the Lebanese Army has announced the arrest of 86 Syrians who were attempting to illegally migrate to the European Union by sea.
The individuals have been handed over to the judiciary for further investigation.
In an official statement, the Lebanese Army reported that a patrol from the Directorate of Intelligence apprehended the 86 Syrians in the Al-Abdeh area as they were preparing to embark on an illegal journey to Italy.
The army seized the vessel that was intended for the voyage and stated that the investigation was being conducted under the supervision of the relevant judicial authorities.
This arrest follows a similar incident at the end of June, where the Lebanese Security Forces detained 15 Syrians who were planning to migrate illegally by sea from Al-Abdeh to Cyprus.
Lebanese authorities have intensified their crackdown on Syrian refugees amid a significant increase in anti-refugee sentiment, aiming to force them to return to Syria.
