CAIRO, (HAN) – Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has, for the first time, publicly addressed the war in Gaza, highlighting both the humanitarian crisis and Egypt’s delicate position in the conflict.
In a televised statement, President Al-Sisi acknowledged the dire situation in the Palestinian enclave, where Israel continues its military campaign. He noted that Egypt has prepared convoys of humanitarian assistance, including food, medicine, and emergency supplies, but said these cannot be delivered without prior approval from Israel.
“To deliver aid to Gaza, I must first get permission from Israel,” Al-Sisi emphasized, pointing to restrictions at the Rafah border crossing, the only entry point to Gaza not directly controlled by Israel.
The president’s remarks underline the complex realities Egypt faces: on one hand, it shares a border with Gaza and has historically played a key mediating role in Palestinian-Israeli conflicts; on the other hand, its 1979 peace treaty with Israel binds Cairo to a policy of non-confrontation.
Al-Sisi made it clear that Egypt will not be drawn into a military conflict with Israel. “Egypt will never wage war against Israel,” he said, stressing instead the importance of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis and open humanitarian corridors.
His comments come as international pressure mounts for humanitarian access to Gaza, where thousands of civilians remain trapped under blockade and ongoing bombardment. Egypt, long seen as a regional broker, now finds itself balancing between its humanitarian responsibilities and political constraints imposed by its relations with Israel and the wider international community.
