Cairo: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian expatriates Badr Abdelatty, stated that the Rafah crossing is open from the Egyptian side, emphasizing that Israel must take responsibility as the occupying power to allow humanitarian aid to pass through the Palestinian side of the crossing, which it has occupied and controls.According to State Information Service Egypt, during an expanded meeting held on August 12, 2025, with representatives of accredited foreign media in Egypt, Abdelatty discussed Egypt's foreign policy principles at a critical stage of regional crises. These principles include supporting nation-states, respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity, and adhering to international law and the UN Charter.Abdelatty expressed Egypt's outright rejection of the expansion of military operations in Gaza and any attempts to displace Palestinians from their land. He emphasized the urgent need to stop the bloodshed and ensure the flow of humanitarian aid to address the humanitarian cri sis exacerbated by what he described as a deliberate Israeli policy of using starvation as a weapon.In this context, the foreign minister discussed the ongoing arrangements for Egypt to host the International Conference on Early Recovery and Reconstruction of Gaza once a ceasefire is reached. The aim is to mobilize support for implementing the Arab-Islamic plan, ensuring a dignified life for Gaza's residents and enabling them to remain on their land.Abdelatty also highlighted the need for a political solution to achieve a just settlement of the Palestinian issue, focusing on restoring the Palestinian people's rights, including self-determination and the establishment of an independent state.The meeting also addressed regional crises in Sudan and Libya. Abdelatty reiterated Egypt's support for state institutions in Sudan and emphasized the importance of reaching a ceasefire and respecting Sudan's sovereignty. Regarding Libya, he stressed the need for simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections, dismantling militias, and withdrawing foreign forces to ensure stability.Concerning Egypt's water security, Abdelatty highlighted concerns about the Ethiopian dam on the Nile River, calling for adherence to international law on shared water resources and rejecting unilateral Ethiopian measures.The discussions extended to security challenges in the Sahel and West Africa, with Abdelatty affirming Egypt's commitment to supporting economic cooperation among African countries. He also reiterated Egypt's support for Somalia and the Horn of Africa, emphasizing the strategic importance of the Red Sea for Egypt's national security and economy.