Egypt rejects Gaza division, says 'Israel' is blocking travel and aid at Rafah
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- Egypt rejects any attempt to divide Gaza, says 'Israel' is blocking travel and aid at Rafah.
- Cairo emphasizes efforts to stabilize Gaza ceasefire and prevent US-Iran war.
Egypt warned Friday that any attempt to divide the Gaza Strip is a “red line that cannot be accepted”, while saying 'Israel' is obstructing Palestinian travel through the Rafah crossing and delaying humanitarian aid.
Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty spoke at a press conference after the Arab-Islamic Contact Group ministerial meeting in Slovenia. He described the situation in Gaza as “still very fragile despite slight progress” and criticized the limited Palestinian movement through Rafah.
Read more: Departure of Gaza patients through Rafah crossing resumes after brief halt by 'Israel'
“'Israel' places obstacles on Palestinian travel through Rafah from both sides and hinders humanitarian aid from entering the Strip,” Abdelatty said.
He also highlighted deteriorating conditions in the West Bank, noting that 'Israel' continues “a policy of repression, terrorizing civilians, and seizing land by force.”
On efforts to stabilize the ceasefire, Abdel Ati said Egypt is working with regional and international partners, including the European Union and the United States, to advance the agreement without giving further details.
Read more: Third group of Palestinians returns to Gaza via Rafah crossing
He stressed the urgent need to increase humanitarian aid, calling Gaza’s situation “tragic” and adding that “there is no stability for 'Israel' without establishing the Palestinian state.”
The remarks come as the US announced in mid-January the second phase of President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan, despite Israeli requests to delay it. 'Israel' continues to restrict movement at Rafah and carry out strikes in Gaza, despite the ceasefire that took effect on October 10, 2025.
Abdelatty also addressed Iran, saying Egypt is working intensively to prevent war, encourage diplomacy, and halt escalation.
Meanwhile, in Muscat, US-Iran talks resumed Friday, continuing a track originally scheduled for June 2025 before US and 'Israeli' airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear and military sites derailed it, causing hundreds of casualties, including key commanders.
