Egypt is committed to safeguarding its national security and considers any attempt to displace Palestinians forcibly an infringement upon its sovereignty, asserted Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly on Tuesday.
Madbouly pledged that Egypt would not hesitate to use all measures to safeguard its borders in the event of any scenario regarding the displacement of Palestinians into Egyptian territories.
Madbouly was speaking during a parliamentary general session in response to 16 interpellation requests submitted by lawmakers regarding Egypt’s efforts to prevent the forced displacement of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
He reiterated that Egypt has never closed the Rafah border crossing “even for a moment,” he said, dismissing such reports as “part of fourth-generation warfare, targeting, and undermining Egypt.”
The Rafah crossing from the Palestinian side was struck by Israel several times to prevent the evacuation of the wounded and the entry of aid, said Madbouly.
The PM also affirmed that Egypt is committed to safeguarding its national security, warning that Israeli policies will have dire regional and global consequences.
Madbouly said calls for “forced displacement” aim to “liquidate the Palestinian cause,” explaining that Egypt has so far received nine million refugees from different nationalities.
However, he added: “Allowing the entry of two million Palestinians under the current conditions would mean the permanent liquidation of the Palestinian issue, which Egypt will not accept under any circumstances.”
Since the beginning of the war on Gaza last month, Egypt has “repeatedly” affirmed its rejection of the “forced displacement” of Palestinians.
Head of the National Unionist Party MP Atef Maghawry told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Prime Minister’s remarks carry several vital messages, most notably Egypt’s right to secure its borders and defend its national security.
Speaker Hanafi Jebali stressed the parliament’s categorical rejection of coercing the Palestinians into internal displacement or forcibly displacing them outside their lands, specifically towards Egyptian territories in Sinai.
Former Foreign Minister Mohamed al-Orabi told Asharq Al-Awsat that the PM’s remarks carried “important diplomatic messages.”
He reiterated Cairo’s firm position in support of the Palestinian people, but stressed that Egypt has the right to secure its borders and defend its national security.
