Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has called for immediate and effective measures to cease fire in Gaza and release hostages.
Speaking at the International Conference on Emergency Humanitarian Response to Gaza at the Dead Sea in Jordan, President El-Sisi emphasized the urgent need for Israel to halt its policy of starvation and lift the blockade on Gaza.
President El-Sisi stressed the necessity of enforcing international resolutions to stop the violence in Gaza. He highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza as a direct result of Israeli occupation, stating, “The unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Gaza is a direct responsibility of the Israeli occupation.”
In his speech, President El-Sisi thanked King Abdullah II of Jordan and UN Secretary-General António Guterres for their efforts to end the war in Gaza. He also expressed gratitude to all countries attending the conference, co-chaired by Egypt.
President El-Sisi described the dire situation of innocent Palestinians in Gaza, who are surrounded by killing, starvation, and terror.
He called the blockade a disgrace to the global conscience, stating that Palestinians look to the international community for hope and restoration of their dignity and rightful peace.
El-Sisi laid out specific demands:
1. Ceasefire and Release of Hostages: Immediate, comprehensive, and sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages. Full respect for international humanitarian law, protecting civilians, infrastructure, UN staff, and healthcare workers.
2. End the Blockade: Israel must lift the blockade and cease using starvation as a weapon. All barriers to the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza must be removed, and aid delivery ensured across all areas of Gaza.
3. Support for UNRWA: Essential support and funding for UNRWA to assist Palestinian civilians, implementing relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2720. Accelerating the establishment of mechanisms to facilitate aid entry and distribution in Gaza.
4. Return of Displaced Palestinians: Providing conditions for the immediate return of displaced Palestinians to their homes from which they were forced to flee due to the war.
El-Sisi reiterated that military solutions would only bring more chaos and bloodshed. The only path to peace and stability is through addressing the root causes of the conflict, advocating for a two-state solution.
He urged the international community to recognize the Palestinian right to an independent state based on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
El-Sisi commended Spain, Ireland, Norway, and Slovenia for recognizing the state of Palestine and called on other countries to follow suit, standing on the right side of history for justice, peace, and security.
