Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
In a firm and pointed response to recent accusations, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi dismissed allegations suggesting Egypt’s involvement in the blockade of Gaza and the starvation of its people, describing such claims as “bankrupt and strange.”
The president made his remarks during a joint press conference held on Tuesday at Cairo’s Ittihadiya Palace with Vietnamese President Võ Văn Thưởng, who is on an official visit to Egypt.
“These are strange and baseless accusations,” President Sisi said, addressing suggestions that Egypt is complicit in the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. “To claim that we are participating in starving the Palestinian people is both a moral and factual distortion,” he added.
President Sisi emphasized Egypt’s continued humanitarian role, noting that over 5,000 trucks carrying essential aid including food, medicine, and supplies are currently positioned on Egyptian soil, ready to enter the Gaza Strip. However, he pointed out that access remains hindered due to Israeli control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing.
“The trucks are here, and they are not just from Egypt, but from other nations as well. The obstacle is not from our side,” he stressed, reiterating Egypt’s position as a supporter of the Palestinian people and a long-time mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The president’s comments come amid growing international criticism of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where shortages of food, water, and medical supplies have reached critical levels following months of intense conflict and restricted access.
The press conference followed a ceremonial welcome for the Vietnamese president, who was greeted with military honors, including the playing of both national anthems and an inspection of the honor guard.
During their bilateral talks, the two leaders discussed ways to deepen economic and diplomatic ties between Egypt and Vietnam. They also exchanged views on key regional and international developments, with a focus on issues affecting peace and stability in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
President Sisi’s strong rebuttal comes at a time when Egypt is seeking to clarify its role in the Gaza crisis, amid international scrutiny and internal pressures. His remarks aim to reaffirm Cairo’s commitment to humanitarian principles and regional diplomacy, while deflecting what he described as unfounded criticisms.
The visit of the Vietnamese president highlights Egypt’s broader strategy to strengthen partnerships beyond the Middle East, expanding its network of allies in Asia and affirming its geopolitical relevance on the global stage.
