Cairo, Isreal Trade Blames Over Rafah Crossing Closure

Tensions between Jerusalem and Cairo escalated on Tuesday as both sides traded blame over the continued closure of the Rafah border crossing.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry condemned Israel’s attempt to shift responsibility onto Egypt for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

In a statement, Shoukry emphasized Egypt’s rejection of Israel’s narrative and demanded that Israel fulfill its obligations as an occupying power by allowing aid to enter Gaza through land crossings under its control.

Shoukry attributed the aid blockade to Israel’s control of the Rafah crossing and its military operations in the area, adding that the closure of both the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings has severely limited aid access to Gaza.

He stressed that his country categorically rejects Israel’s policy of twisting facts and shirking responsibility.
“Israel alone is responsible for the humanitarian catastrophe the Palestinians are facing in Gaza,” he

Speaking through its Foreign Affairs Minister, Isreal Katz, Isreal asserted that it was Egypt’s responsibility to reopen the Rafah crossing and facilitate humanitarian relief into Gaza.

Shoukry rebutted Israel’s claims, denouncing them as desperate attempts to blame Egypt for the situation in Gaza, which he attributed to Israel’s actions against Palestinians.

Meanwhile, Katz has sought international support from his British and German counterparts to persuade Egypt to reopen the Rafah crossing, adding he would also speak with Italy’s foreign minister later on Tuesday. to pressure Egypt into reopening the crossing, citing security concerns as a barrier to Palestinian control over Rafah.

Egypt noted that its role as a mediator in the ceasefire talks has been complicated by its strained relationship with Israel following the seizure of the Rafah Crossing by Israeli forces on May 7th.