Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry urged Israel on Sunday to halt its assaults against Palestinian civilians and international relief workers in the Gaza Strip. This came during a phone call Shoukry received from Espen Barth Eide, the Norwegian Foreign Minister, discussing the situation in Gaza and the necessary efforts to contain the humanitarian crisis in the territory.
In a press statement, the spokesperson mentioned that the ministers discussed international efforts to stop the ongoing war in Gaza and initiatives aimed at expanding the base of countries willing to recognize the Palestinian state and revive the peace process. The call also covered various aspects of the deteriorating humanitarian and security situations in the Gaza Strip, and ongoing efforts to ensure the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and General Assembly resolutions related to the crisis in Gaza. They emphasized the necessity of achieving an immediate and permanent ceasefire and ensuring the full, safe, and rapid enforcement of humanitarian aid to meet the urgent needs of the sector’s inhabitants.
Minister Shoukry emphasized to his Norwegian counterpart the necessity of Israel complying with its responsibilities as an occupying power by stopping its attacks against Palestinian civilians and international relief workers in Gaza, in violation of all provisions of international law and international humanitarian law. He stressed the need to open all land crossings between Israel and the sector, and to remove all obstacles to efforts aimed at increasing the flow of aid to the sector, including the northern parts of Gaza.
The spokesperson added that the ministers also discussed the risks of Israel undertaking a military operation in the Palestinian city of Rafah, expressing their rejection of such an action due to its catastrophic humanitarian consequences that would further deteriorate the already worsening conditions among the residents of Gaza, leading to significant loss of life.
The ministers agreed to continue coordination and joint work to mitigate the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, contain its consequences, and explore ways to provide urgent support and assistance to the inhabitants of the sector.
Egypt’s stance on the recent war in Gaza since October 7 has been marked by a complex mix of diplomatic pressures, humanitarian concerns, and national security considerations. Initially, Egypt’s response to the conflict was cautious, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire, the delivery of humanitarian aid, and the protection of civilian lives, in line with international humanitarian law. This stance was evident in the statement issued by the foreign ministers of nine Arab countries, including Egypt, at the Cairo Peace Summit on October 21, which condemned violence and terrorism against civilians by any party and stressed the importance of releasing hostages and civilian detainees.
However, as the conflict escalated, Egypt faced increasing pressure to act, both internationally and from its own population. The country has been in a delicate position, given its geographical proximity to Gaza and its historical ties to the Palestinian cause. Egypt rejected calls from the United States and Israel to open its border with Gaza for the evacuation and displacement of Palestinians to Sinai, citing national security concerns and the potential risk of infiltration by Hamas militants. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi emphasized that the forced displacement of Palestinians would jeopardize their right to statehood and insisted on a return to negotiations for a just solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
