Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech, in which he insisted on keeping his forces on the “Philadelphi Corridor” between Gaza and Sinai, prompted a sharp response from Egypt.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said that Netanyahu “tried to use Egypt’s name to distract Israeli public opinion, obstruct reaching a ceasefire deal and exchange of hostages and detainees, and obstruct mediation efforts.”
Netanyahu, in a speech on Monday night, rejected “withdrawing from the Philadelphi corridor,” even though it would violate the 1979 peace agreement between Israel and Egypt. “We made sure that no pin would enter Gaza from our side, but they (Hamas) armed themselves through the Philadelphi corridor and Egypt,” he said.
Netanyahu is facing widespread popular protests demanding that he accept a deal to release the hostages in Gaza, and he is also facing criticism from US President Joe Biden, who has accused him of “not doing enough” to reach an agreement.
Netanyahu’s statements were also met with Arab condemnation and denunciation, and support for Egypt in confronting these allegations.
Saudi Arabia also strongly condemned, on Tuesday, the Israeli statements regarding the Philadelphi Corridor, and the futile attempts to justify the ongoing violations of international laws and norms. In a statement by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it warned of the consequences of these provocative statements, and their repercussions in undermining the mediation efforts undertaken by Egypt, Qatar and America to reach a permanent ceasefire, and increasing the severity of the dangerous escalation witnessed by the region.
Jassim Al-Badawi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, affirmed on Tuesday full solidarity with Cairo against the provocative statements of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which aim to distort Egypt’s image, offend its leading role in the region, and its clear efforts in mediating to resolve the crisis in the Gaza Strip.
He stressed the Council’s complete rejection of such irresponsible statements, which do not serve peace in the region, but rather contribute to increasing tension and aggravating the situation, stressing the need for Israel to adhere to international principles and signed agreements, and to stop its aggressive approach in Gaza and all Palestinian territories.
He renewed the GCC countries’ steadfast support for Egypt in its tireless efforts to enhance security and stability in the region, and joint work to achieve the lofty goals that unite Arab and Islamic countries against common challenges.
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2024-09-05 00:50:27