Egypt denies discussing Rafah invasion with Israel

Ahram Online , Tuesday 23 Apr 2024

Diaa Rashwan, the head of the State Information Service (SIS), denied on Tuesday allegations published in the Wall Street Journal that Egypt had discussed with Israel plans for the latter’s invasion of Rafah.

Gaza
Israel s southern border with the Gaza Strip shows an Israeli tank rolling along the border with the Palestinian territory. AFP

 

In a statement, Rashwan emphasized Egypt's consistent, firm stance against such an assault, which would lead to significant human casualties and widespread destruction.

These repercussions would be on top of the already extensive suffering endured by the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip throughout the 200-day-long war, the statement added.

Rashwan also underscored that Egypt had consistently warned the Israeli side through various channels against carrying out such an operation.

Any assault would also harm regional stability.

Despite Israel's plans, Rashwan emphasized Cairo's ongoing efforts to de-escalate the crisis.

These efforts are aimed at reaching a ceasefire, facilitating a prisoner and detainee exchange, and providing sufficient humanitarian aid to Gaza, especially the northern areas.

Cairo’s efforts, Rashwan continued, also address the urgent needs of Gazans, particularly for healthcare, including treatment in Egyptian hospitals.

On Monday, the SIS chief stated that more than 1,500 tunnels between Gaza and Egypt have already been destroyed and the border wall has been strengthened, refuting recurring Israeli allegations that Egypt is a source of weapons smuggled into Gaza.

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