Egypt Condemns Israeli Army’s Call for Gaza Evacuation, Warns of Humanitarian Crisis

Egypt’s foreign ministry issued a stern warning yesterday, condemning the Israeli army’s appeal for over one million residents of the Gaza Strip to evacuate their homes and move southward. The ministry emphasized that such a directive would gravely violate international humanitarian law, endangering the lives of Gaza’s inhabitants and forcing them into areas ill-equipped to accommodate their needs.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s call for Palestinian civilians to evacuate southward in Gaza was met with strong opposition from Egypt, which shares a border with the territory. The move follows Israel’s siege and bombardment of Gaza, initiated in response to a significant incursion by Hamas militants.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, speaking at a military graduation ceremony, emphasized the importance of Palestinians remaining steadfast on their land. He underscored Egypt’s commitment to securing humanitarian relief for the region.

Despite Cairo’s efforts to facilitate aid delivery through the Rafah border crossing, talks with the United States and other nations have failed to yield a viable solution. Operations at the crossing were disrupted by Israeli strikes earlier this week, preventing civilian passage since Tuesday.

In response to the crisis, aid from Turkey and Jordan has arrived at Al Arish airport in northern Sinai, approximately 45 km (28 miles) from the Gaza border. The cargoes, consisting of food and medical supplies, are stored at a sports stadium in Al Arish while authorities work to establish a safe delivery route.

The ongoing violent conflict, initiated after Hamas’s attack on Israel last Saturday, has resulted in a staggering loss of life and injuries, exacerbating a severe humanitarian crisis on both sides. Egypt urges international intervention to address the escalating situation, emphasizing the urgency of securing aid and ensuring the safety of Gaza’s residents.