Egypt Daily News – Egypt has condemned the decision by the Israeli government to halt the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip and to close the crossings used for humanitarian relief efforts.
Egypt, in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, strongly condemned Israel’s decision to halt humanitarian aid entry into Gaza and close the crossings used for relief efforts.
The statement described these actions as a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement, international humanitarian law, the Fourth Geneva Convention, and all religious principles.
Egypt emphasized that there is no justification, circumstance, or logic that permits the use of starvation and blockade as a weapon against innocent civilians, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
It called on the international community to take responsibility for stopping all illegal and inhumane practices targeting civilians and to condemn attempts to achieve political goals by endangering innocent lives.
Earlier, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty stressed the need for both parties to the Gaza ceasefire agreement to fully commit to their obligations, including prisoner exchanges and ensuring the full entry of humanitarian aid.
He stated, “There is a ceasefire agreement with three phases. We have completed the first phase, and we must fulfill the remaining commitments and quickly engage in negotiations for the second phase.” He also underscored the importance of full access to humanitarian, medical, and shelter aid, adding, “We will not hesitate in this matter.”
Israel suspended the entry of aid trucks into Gaza on Sunday amid a growing crisis affecting the ceasefire agreement, which had halted fighting for six weeks. In response, Hamas called on Qatari and Egyptian mediators to intervene.
A statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that, as of Sunday morning, the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza would be suspended. It further stated, “Israel will not accept a ceasefire without the release of our hostages. If Hamas continues to refuse, there will be further consequences.”
Hamas denounced Israel’s decision as “cheap blackmail” and a “war crime,” urging mediators to pressure Israel into ending its “punitive and unethical actions.”
In response, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for the immediate resumption of humanitarian aid entry into Gaza. His spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said in a statement that Guterres “calls for the immediate resumption of humanitarian aid entry into Gaza and for the release of all detainees.” He also urged all parties to take necessary measures to prevent a return to hostilities in Gaza.
