Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty on Monday accused Israel of committing systematic violations, crimes, and genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, disregarding international law while expanding its assault and using starvation, blockade, and obstruction of UN agencies to weaken the population and push them towards displacement. He stressed Egypt's categorical rejection of such policies. Speaking at an extraordinary meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers in Jeddah, Abdel-Aty highlighted Egypt's role in supporting Palestinians. He said Egypt has provided about 70 per cent of aid since the start of the crisis, totalling 550,000 tons, and received thousands of injured Palestinians for treatment in Egyptian hospitals. He urged Israel to allow immediate entry of aid through all crossings without restrictions, noting that Gaza needs at least 700 trucks daily. More than 5,000 trucks are currently waiting on the Egyptian side but face Israeli obstacles, he said. The minister condemned Israel's expansion of military operations in Gaza and held it fully responsible for prolonging the war and ignoring mediation efforts, including a recent proposal accepted by Hamas that could lead to a hostages, detainees deal and a ceasefire. He called on the international community to intensify pressure on Israel to accept the deal based on US envoy Steve Witkoff's initiative. Abdel-Aty also criticised Israeli plans to build 3,400 housing units in the E1 area of the West Bank, saying it violated the Geneva Conventions and aimed to sever the north from the south, undermining prospects for a viable Palestinian state. He rejected Israeli rhetoric on a so-called "Greater Israel", calling it an illusion that would only fuel conflict. He reaffirmed Egypt's unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, stressing the establishment of an independent state on the June 4, 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital. He welcomed recent announcements by some states about recognising Palestine and urged others to follow suit. Abdel-Aty recalled President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's July 27 speech rejecting displacement of Palestinians, stressing that Egypt would not participate in what he called a historic injustice. He reiterated Sisi's message that normalisation between Israel and regional states cannot bring peace or security unless Palestinians' legitimate aspirations are met. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
