Calling Palestinian displacement voluntary is "nonsense", says Egyptian FM
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Ati slammed claims that Palestinian displacement in Gaza is voluntary, calling such statements “nonsense” during a joint press conference with UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini.
“Forced displacement is a red line for Egypt, Jordan, and the Arab world. Under no circumstances will it be allowed,” Abdel Ati said. He criticized Israel’s warnings for Gaza residents to evacuate south amid its ongoing military operations.
Lazzarini urged Israel to lift restrictions on humanitarian organizations, noting that UN aid workers are paying a high price and that UNRWA’s financial situation is dire, forcing some programs to halt. He stressed the importance of journalists in Gaza for documenting events on the ground.
Abdel Ati called 'Israel’s' intransigence a major obstacle to a ceasefire and urged acceptance of US envoy Steve Witkoff’s proposal, which includes a temporary 60-day truce. He also outlined an Arab-Islamic plan for security arrangements, governance, early recovery, and reconstruction in Gaza, emphasizing the role of the Palestinian police.
Highlighting 'Israel’s' use of starvation as a weapon, Abdel Ati said Egypt is working to facilitate aid through the Rafah crossing, which remains open 24/7, and noted that Gaza requires at least 700 trucks of supplies daily. He condemned Israeli expansionist policies and reaffirmed Egypt’s support for UNRWA, rejecting alternative mechanisms that have failed.
The minister also discussed coordination with Witkoff on humanitarian access, hostage releases, and efforts to reduce escalation. He warned of the catastrophic humanitarian crisis, including famine risks, if military operations continue. Egypt is prepared to host an international conference on early recovery and reconstruction once a ceasefire is in place.
Finally, Abdel Ati and Lazzarini touched on the Iranian nuclear file, stressing diplomatic efforts to resume negotiations, reduce tensions, and promote regional security and stability.
