On Thursday, October 12, Egypt urged all countries and regional and international organizations willing to provide humanitarian and relief assistance to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, to alleviate their suffering due to the violent and ongoing Israeli occupation bombings, to deliver such aid to Al Arish International Airport, designated by the Egyptian authorities to receive international humanitarian assistance from various parties and organizations.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Egypt stated, “The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip is open for operation and has not been closed at any stage since the current crisis began.”
Furthermore, Egypt added, “However, the essential facilities on the Palestinian side have been destroyed due to the repeated Israeli airstrikes, preventing its normal operation.” Egypt urged Israel to avoid targeting the Palestinian side of the crossing to ensure the success of restoration and repair efforts, enabling it to function as a vital lifeline to support the Palestinian brothers and sisters in the Gaza Strip.
On Tuesday, the Israeli occupation forces bombed the gate of the Rafah land crossing with Egypt, after its repair from the damage caused by Monday’s bombing.
Since Saturday, Israeli warplanes have continued their airstrikes on various areas in the Gaza Strip, resulting in extensive destruction in residential areas, significant loss of life, and mass displacement.
The Rafah land crossing connects the Gaza Strip to Egypt and is open for 5 days a week, allowing a limited capacity of passage.
In a phone call with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, “Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi emphasized the need to guarantee the regularity of humanitarian services and relief to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip,” according to a statement from the office of the Egyptian President.
Sisi also informed Sunak of “Egypt’s continuing efforts to push for the pursuit of calm and utmost restraint to prevent sliding into bloodshed, the price of which will be paid by more innocent people, and whose consequences will extend to the entire region,” as stated in the release.
It is worth noting that the Israeli occupation state has stated that there will be no humanitarian break in its blockade of Gaza until all its hostages are released.
