Rafah: Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stated on Monday, August 18, 2025, that holding a joint press conference at the Rafah border crossing delivers a strong message of solidarity to the Palestinian people, emphasizing that "we are with you and feel your suffering and pain."
According to State Information Service Egypt, Abdelatty highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, describing it as a "grave violation of international law." The Foreign Minister noted the starvation policies leading to deaths and the spread of disease among children in Gaza. He reaffirmed Egypt's consistent stance on the Palestinian cause, rejecting displacement plans and any schemes that would alter the demographic reality and undermine the Palestinian cause.
Abdelatty recalled President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's assertion that Egypt cannot partake in any historical injustice towards the Palestinians. Politically, Egypt is engaged in mediation efforts with Qatar and the United States, collaborating with regional partners to cease hostilities, resume negotiations, and end the starvation and killing.
Humanitarian efforts are coordinated with civil organizations and the Ministry of Solidarity to provide aid to the Palestinian people. Abdelatty noted that Egypt has facilitated 70% of all humanitarian aid entering Gaza since the crisis began, totaling 550,000 tons. He stressed the need for urgent aid delivery without Israeli-imposed obstacles.
Abdelatty pointed out that while many aid trucks await passage, delays result from Israeli-imposed barriers. The Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing has been destroyed four times by occupation authorities, with Egypt repairing it each time to ensure aid delivery.
He emphasized that although there are five international crossings into Gaza, these remain closed due to insufficient international pressure, with focus predominantly on the Rafah crossing meant for individual passage. The visit aims to update the Palestinian Prime Minister on Egypt's efforts and inspect injured Palestinians in Egyptian hospitals.
On Sunday, discussions with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly included plans for an international conference in Cairo following a Gaza ceasefire agreement. Abdelatty welcomed countries' declarations to recognize the State of Palestine and urged others seeking peace to follow suit.
He commended Egyptian civil society, led by the Red Crescent and volunteers, for their aid efforts, alongside the Ministry of Solidarity and UNRWA. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa expressed determination to restore dignity to the Palestinian people and secure an independent state, stressing the urgent need for international pressure on Israel to open crossings for aid delivery.
Mustafa highlighted Gaza as an integral part of the Palestinian state, emphasizing the importance of national unity post-conflict. He outlined collaboration with Egypt to prepare for the reconstruction conference in Cairo, based on an Arab recovery and reconstruction plan.
In a meeting with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, implementation plans for Gaza's reconstruction were reviewed. Mustafa reiterated that the Palestinian cause is under unprecedented threat and urged against allowing Israeli aggression to legitimize external impositions on Gaza, affirming its place within the Palestinian homeland.