Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi expressed on Tuesday the GCC's complete solidarity with Egypt in rejecting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “provocative” statements about the Philadelphi Corridor.
“Israel's statements aim to distort Egypt's image and undermine its significant and leading role in the region, as well as its unambiguous and evident efforts in mediating to resolve the crisis in the Gaza Strip,” said Albudaiwi.
He stressed that Egypt “plays a pivotal role in boosting regional and international stability through its ongoing mediation efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people since the eruption of the crisis.”
He stressed the GCC's “total rejection of such irresponsible statements, which do not serve peace in the region but rather contribute to increasing tension and exacerbating the situation.”
He underlined the need for Israel to adhere to international principles and signed agreements, as well as to cease its aggressive actions in Gaza and all Palestinian areas.
Albudaiwi reiterated the GCC’s unwavering support to Egypt “in its diligent efforts to promote security and stability in the region and to work together to achieve the noble objectives that unite Arab and Islamic countries against common challenges.”
Netanyahu on Monday rejected calls to soften his demand to keep troops in the southern Gazan border area as the price for a ceasefire deal, saying it was vital for Israel to control a key lifeline for Hamas.
The issue of the Philadelphi Corridor, on the southern edge of the Gaza Strip bordering Egypt, has been a major sticking point in efforts to secure a deal to halt the fighting in Gaza and return Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Hamas has rejected any Israeli presence, while Netanyahu has insisted that Israel will not abandon the corridor, where Israeli troops have uncovered dozens of tunnels they say have been used to smuggle weapons and ammunition into Gaza.
