Egypt refutes claims of transferring control of Rafah crossing and rejects sending troops to Gaza

A high-ranking source denied reports on Sunday about Egypt approving the movement of the Rafah crossing or the construction of a new crossing near Kerem Abu Salem. The source also confirmed Cairo’s rejection of allowing Egyptian forces to enter the Gaza Strip. They emphasized that there have been no discussions regarding Israeli supervision of the Rafah port and reiterated Egypt’s commitment to the complete withdrawal of the Israeli army from the Palestinian side of the port.

Furthermore, the source stated that Egypt believes the situation in Gaza after the ongoing military operation is a Palestinian matter and that Egyptian forces should not be involved. Egypt had previously communicated to all parties that the return of detainees and cessation of military operations in Gaza must be part of a permanent ceasefire agreement and involve the exchange of detainees and prisoners.

Egypt has maintained a firm stance on not reopening the Rafah crossing as long as Israeli control remains over the Palestinian side of it. The source placed responsibility on the Israeli side for the consequences of this closure, which has led to worsening humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip, including food scarcity and limited aid supplies. The continued closure of crossings poses a threat of famine in Gaza City and the northern Gaza Strip.

The Israeli army has been carrying out intense bombardment in the Gaza Strip since October 7, with numerous air, land, and sea raids and violent attacks against Palestinian civilians. This has resulted in a significant number of casualties, massive destruction of infrastructure, and a humanitarian catastrophe due to restrictions on food, water, medicine, and fuel supplies.