Egypt denies closing Rafah crossing, blames 'Israel' for blocking aid

Egypt’s Foreign Ministry firmly denied claims that it closed the Rafah border crossing with Gaza, stressing that the crossing has never been shut from the Egyptian side.

It asserted that the Palestinian side of the crossing is under 'Israeli' control, which is preventing the passage of aid and people.

In a strongly worded statement, the ministry condemned what it described as “malicious propaganda” aimed at distorting Egypt’s consistent support for the Palestinian cause, calling the recent accusations of complicity in the blockade “unjustified.”

“These baseless accusations lack logic and contradict Egypt’s position and interests,” the ministry said, adding that critics ignore Egypt’s efforts since the start of the Israeli assault on Gaza, including attempts to reach a ceasefire and sustained relief operations through Rafah.

The statement also highlighted Egypt’s leadership in launching and promoting an Arab-endorsed reconstruction plan for Gaza, supported by several international partners, focusing on humanitarian aid, resisting forced displacement, and defending Palestinian land and rights.