Such an attack, he said, “undermines every sincere effort to reach a peaceful settlement to the Iranian nuclear issue.”
He added that political and diplomatic means remain the only viable path to resolving regional crises, stating: “The language of weapons and imposing hegemony has not and will not create true security for any country.”
El-Gebaly called the Israeli strike a “blatant attack” and said it adds to Israel’s “long record of violations of international law, breaches of the United Nations (UN) Charter, and disregard for all relevant international resolutions.”
Israel launched a series of strikes on Iran on Friday, targeting nuclear and military infrastructure as well as residential areas.
The strikes, which Israel said were necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, came despite the ongoing US–Iran talks on Tehran’s nuclear programme.
El-Gebaly described the strikes as an attempt to derail dialogue, pointing to the Muscat negotiating track between the US and Iran, mediated by Oman.
He said the issue must be addressed through a “comprehensive vision that addresses the roots of concern related to the proliferation of nuclear weapons.”
He urged adherence to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and efforts to establish a Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)-free Middle East.
A new round of US–Iran talks, scheduled for Sunday in Oman, was cancelled following the Israeli airstrikes and Iran’s retaliatory attacks—now in their third day.
Unwavering support for Palestinians
El-Gebaly also reaffirmed Egypt’s support for the Palestinian people, saying the country “will remain a strong voice in defence of the Palestinian people and their steadfastness in the face of the Israeli occupation and against its siege, starvation, and systematic aggression.”
He warned about unauthorized marches or travel to Egypt’s border areas, especially near Rafah.
He repeated that international delegations must seek prior coordination and legal permits for Gaza border visits.
He said these regulations are essential for protecting national security and public safety, echoing an earlier statement from the Foreign Ministry.
His comments follow plans by activists to organize a land convoy through Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt to break the Israeli blockade on Gaza.
The Soumoud (Steadfastness) Convoy—reportedly carrying aid and around 2,000 activists from Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Mauritania, and Libya—have left Tunisia for Libya.
Libya’s Foreign Ministry in Benghazi has urged respect for Egypt’s border rules, referencing the Egyptian Foreign Ministry’s guidelines.
“We do not doubt their noble intentions,” El-Gebaly said. But he added: “Everyone must know that supporting the Palestinian cause and standing with its steadfast people can only be achieved through respecting Egypt’s sovereignty and laws; a duty that does not accept debate or complacency.”
He closed by expressing confidence in President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi’s leadership during the current crisis.
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