The spokesperson for the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, Tamim Khalaf, has deemed Israeli proposals to assume control over the governance of the Gaza Strip as inappropriate and contrary to the Arab stance on Palestine.

In statements made to the press on Thursday, February 27, Khalaf emphasized the connection between Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, asserting that these territories rightfully belong to an independent Palestinian state and should be under the full responsibility and sovereignty of the Palestinian people.

Khalaf reiterated Egypt’s opposition to any plans regarding Gaza that undermine fundamental principles of Egyptian and Arab positions. He called for a focus on addressing the core issues of the conflict, which he stated necessitates the withdrawal of Israeli troops from occupied territories and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

The Egyptian official highlighted that any proposals outside these demands would merely represent “half measures” aimed at perpetuating the cycle of conflict rather than resolving it definitively.

In addition to addressing Gaza, Khalaf condemned recent Israeli aggressions against Syrian territory, labeling them as a systematic escalation of regional conflict and a blatant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. He urged international bodies to take responsibility and compel Israel to immediately cease its belligerent actions.

These remarks come in response to a plan presented by Israel to the United States, proposing that Egypt manage Gaza for 15 years in exchange for canceling its external debt, estimated at $155 billion—a proposal that Egypt has firmly rejected.

The ongoing tensions highlight the complexities surrounding governance in Gaza and underscore Egypt’s commitment to supporting Palestinian rights and sovereignty amidst escalating regional conflicts.

EN ESTA NOTA: