Egypt: Sisi Labels Palestinian Displacement from Gaza as ‘Red Line’

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. (Egyptian presidency)
Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. (Egyptian presidency)
TT
20

Egypt: Sisi Labels Palestinian Displacement from Gaza as ‘Red Line’

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. (Egyptian presidency)
Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. (Egyptian presidency)

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has reiterated his country’s rejection of the forced displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to Egypt labeling it as “a red line.”

"We strongly oppose the relocation of Palestinians to Egypt or Jordan," said Sisi, stressing that the deportation of Palestinians is a red line for Egypt, and it will not be permitted.

“I say to all Egyptians and people worldwide that the Rafah crossing has never been closed and will never be closed to aid entering the Gaza Strip," he said.

These remarks were made during a speech the Egyptian president delivered before thousands of Egyptians at an event in support of Palestine held at Cairo International Stadium.

Following Hamas’ Al-Aqsa Flood Operation on Israel on Oct. 7, Egypt has warned several times of pushing the Gazans to leave their land toward Sinai.

The Egyptian president added that the Palestinian cause faces a dangerous and sensitive phase amid an unpredictable and inhumane escalation. This escalation adopts collective punishment and commits massacres as a means to impose a reality on the ground, leading to the deportation of the people, and the seizure of land, he added.

"Nearly 12,000 tons of relief aid, transported by 1,300 trucks, were transferred to Gaza via Rafah crossing," said Sisi. The state contributed 8,400 tons, accounting for 70 percent of the total aid.

On Thursday, the National Alliance for Civil Development Work announced that a new aid convoy of more than 500 trucks was on its way to Palestine.

Sisi recounted Egypt’s efforts to prevent the escalation of this war on all levels.

He said that on the political level, Egypt held the first international summit in Cairo, in which several countries convened to secure international approval for ending this conflict and ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

Last month, the New Administrative Capital hosted the Cairo Peace Summit during which Sisi declared that eliminating the Palestinian cause without a just solution would never happen at the expense of Egypt.

Moreover, the Islamic-Arab summit in Riyadh called for breaking the siege and ensuring the immediate flow of aid to the Strip.

The president further stressed the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and a just and comprehensive peace agreement, adding that through the joint efforts of Egypt, the US, and Qatar, Hamas and Israel reached a humanitarian truce for four days, which could be extended.



Iraqis Urged to Protest Israel as Militias Warn US Against Intervention

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani attending a meeting for the Coordination Framework (INA)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani attending a meeting for the Coordination Framework (INA)
TT
20

Iraqis Urged to Protest Israel as Militias Warn US Against Intervention

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani attending a meeting for the Coordination Framework (INA)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani attending a meeting for the Coordination Framework (INA)

Iraq’s public support for Iran in its escalating missile standoff with Israel has triggered concern that the country could be drawn into a wider conflict involving both Washington and Tel Aviv, as threats from powerful armed factions intensify.

 

Major Shi’ite parties within the pro-Iran Coordination Framework – including Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani – ramped up their backing for Tehran by urging nationwide demonstrations in solidarity with Iran, the Iran-aligned Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia warned it may target US interests in Iraq if Washington joins Israel militarily.

 

Framework Condemns Israeli Strikes

 

The Coordination Framework held a late-night emergency meeting on Sunday, attended by Sudani, to discuss the unfolding political and security developments.

 

In a statement seen by Asharq Al-Awsat, the bloc denounced what it called Israel’s "repeated acts of aggression," including recent strikes on Iranian territory that killed a number of commanders and scientists.

 

“The Framework strongly condemns the Zionist entity’s repeated hostile behavior, particularly the latest attacks on Iran,” the statement read. It called on the international community, especially regional states, to take a stand against Israel’s “arrogance” and push for an end to its aggression.

 

The bloc also urged Iraqis to take to the streets in protest and to show support for Iran’s resilience. It reiterated its rejection of Iraqi airspace being used for attacks on neighboring countries but added that Iraq should continue “playing a role in finding a solution and containing the fallout of the crisis triggered by Israel’s ongoing strikes”.

 

Parliament Denies Israeli Attacks Launched from Iraq

 

In a separate development, Iraq’s parliamentary Security and Defense Committee rejected Iranian claims that recent Israeli attacks on Iran were launched from Iraqi territory.

 

“There is no evidence that Israeli airstrikes targeting Iran originated from Iraqi soil,” said committee member Yasser Watout. “We’ve spoken to military leadership, air force officials and aerial surveillance units – all confirm no such activity occurred”.

 

The denial follows remarks by Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, who alleged that some of the recent attacks were launched from inside Iraq. He urged Baghdad to prevent its territory from being used against neighboring states.

 

Watout said Iraq “did not, and will not, allow its territory to be used for attacking any of its neighbors,” calling the Iranian allegations baseless.

 

Militias Warn of Retaliation

 

The warning from Asaib Ahl al-Haq came a day after Iraq’s Kataib Hezbollah said it would consider entering the fight against Israel if the United States militarily backs Tel Aviv.

 

In a statement on Monday, Asaib spokesman Jawad al-Talibawi said, “We warn the US administration of the consequences of participating alongside its Israeli ally in attacking the Iran”.

 

He pledged renewed allegiance to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, vowing to “offer our lives in defense of Islam and its people”.

 

Kataib Hezbollah, led by Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi, also threatened to strike US bases across the region if Washington joins the war. In a statement on Sunday night, Hamidawi said Iran does not require military assistance to confront Israel, asserting it has the “men and means” to defeat Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

 

“We are closely monitoring the movements of the American enemy’s forces,” he said. “Should the US intervene, we will directly target its interests and military bases in the region, without hesitation”.

 

He called on the Iraqi government, the Coordination Framework, and what he described as “loyal defenders” to take a firm position to prevent the conflict from spiraling further. Hamidawi also demanded the closure of the US embassy in Baghdad and the expulsion of American forces from Iraq.

 

US Embassy Issues Security Alert

 

Meanwhile, the US embassy in Baghdad issued a security warning to American citizens, citing a heightened risk of violence or attacks against US interests in Iraq. The alert advised citizens to avoid areas frequented by foreigners and to steer clear of large gatherings.

 

The threat of Iraq being pulled into a broader confrontation underscores the region’s volatility as tensions soar between Iran and Israel – and as armed factions within Iraq flex their influence in a bid to shift the country's strategic posture.