Egypt denies agreeing to transfer the Rafah crossing and refuses the entry of its forces into Gaza

A high-ranking source denied, on Sunday, what was reported about Egypt’s approval to move the Rafah crossing, or build a new crossing near Kerem Abu Salem, and confirmed Cairo’s rejection of the entry of any Egyptian forces into the Gaza Strip.

The source added that there were no Egyptian discussions regarding Israeli supervision of the Rafah port, stressing Egypt’s adherence to the complete withdrawal of the Israeli army from the Palestinian side of the Rafah port.

The source added that Egypt refuses the entry of any Egyptian forces into the Gaza Strip, stressing that arranging the situation inside the Strip after the ongoing military operation is a Palestinian matter.

The source pointed out that Egypt had previously informed all parties that the return of detainees and stopping the ongoing military operation in the Gaza Strip must be through an agreement on a permanent ceasefire and the exchange of detainees and prisoners.

Egypt had confirmed to all parties its firm and consistent position not to open the Rafah crossing, as long as Israeli control remained over the Palestinian side of it, holding the Israeli side responsible for the consequences resulting from this closure and the worsening humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip.

The continued closure of the crossings threatens to bring back famine to Gaza City and the northern Gaza Strip, after the Palestinians exhausted their remaining food supplies in light of the scarcity of aid.

The Israeli army continues the intense and unprecedented bombardment of the Gaza Strip, since October 7, by launching dozens of raids by air, land, and sea, in addition to committing bloody massacres against Palestinian civilians, leaving tens of thousands dead, wounded, and missing. It caused massive destruction to infrastructure, facilities and vital installations, and led to an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in the Strip as a result of the cessation of food, water, medicine and fuel supplies due to the restrictions.