Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in the New Administrative Capital. Photo: Al-Ahram
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday that while Egypt welcomes the global outpouring of support for Palestinian rights, it also emphasises that all requests must adhere to established regulatory procedures, which have been enforced since the start of the Gaza war.
The ministry added that these procedures entail submitting an official request via Egyptian embassies abroad, foreign embassies in Cairo, or through organisational representatives to the foreign ministry.
"Egypt welcomes the regional and international support, whether official or popular, for legitimate Palestinian rights and rejection of siege, starvation, and Israel's blatant and systematic violations against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip," the foreign ministry's statement read.
However, the ministry stressed the importance of adhering to these established regulatory measures "to ensure the safety of visiting delegations due to the sensitive security conditions since the onset of the crisis in Gaza."
It added that "no requests or invitations will be considered or responded to if submitted outside the framework specified by the regulatory provisions and the established mechanism in this regard."
Furthermore, the ministry noted that numerous visits by foreign governmental and non-governmental human rights organisations have previously been arranged through these channels.
Similarly, the foreign ministry reaffirmed that foreign citizens intending to come to Egypt must adhere to Egyptian law and regulations, including obtaining necessary visas or permits.
The statement comes after a land convoy left Tunisia on Monday bound for Gaza. The convoy, which seeks to break Israel's blockade on Gaza, carries humanitarian aid and approximately 2,000 activists from Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Mauritania, and Libya.
The convoy reportedly plans to travel through Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt. It comes just days after the Israeli navy seized the "Freedom Flotilla" ship Madleen, which was also attempting to deliver aid to Gaza by sea.
Meanwhile, Egypt reiterated its unwavering support for the Palestinian people's steadfastness and their clinging to their land. It also condemned Israel's "flagrant violations" of international and humanitarian law.
In addition, Egypt stressed the need to pressure Israel to lift the blockade on the Gaza Strip and facilitate humanitarian access through all Israeli routes and crossings into the territory.
It also affirmed that it continues to exert all efforts to end the Israeli aggression on Gaza and resolve the severe humanitarian crisis there.
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