2024-04-17 18:42:50
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry expressed, Speaking to CNN anchor Becky Andersonexpressed his position on a statement made by Felipe Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and regarding whether Egypt would accept the entry of any Palestinian fleeing Gaza – even temporarily – if Israel invaded Rafah.
Below we present to you the text of the dialogue that took place between the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry, and the CNN anchor, Becky Anderson:
Becky Anderson: The prospect of Gazans crossing into Egypt from the border town of Rafah to escape a military attack would make resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict impossible, Felipe Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, said two days ago. As he puts it here, “it creates a terrible dilemma for the liberation of the people,” saying: “Another refugee crisis from Gaza to Egypt… will make resolving the Palestinian refugee issue as a result of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict impossible.” I’m just wondering what you think regarding what he said, and will Egypt accept any Palestinian who escapes from Gaza, even temporarily?
Sameh Shoukry: I believe the comments are an indication of the seriousness of the situation and the need to avoid such a circumstance. The Palestinian people are a people with a national identity, with a defined homeland. Since Oslo, there has been a process of trying to resolve this issue through negotiations and by providing the rights of the Palestinian people that are generally recognized by the international community.
Whatever happens, we must avoid the possibility of military action in Rafah in conjunction with the opinion of the vast majority of the international community, if not its consensus, and recognize that continued civilian suffering is unacceptable, which constitutes values that we should all uphold. By all accounts, over the past 75 years, Egypt has taken into account and prioritized the interests of the Palestinian people, and will continue to do so.
In what way you do this will depend on the circumstances. I do not think it is useful to speculate in this regard.
Becky Anderson: But if it is in the interest of the Palestinian people, especially those living in Rafah, to open the border gate as if on a temporary basis to avoid some sort of additional civilian casualties resulting from an Israeli attack, is that an option?
Sameh Shoukry: The best interest of the Palestinian and Israeli peoples in this regard is the two-state solution, and for the Palestinians to be able to live in peace and security within their borders, and for Israel to be able to do the same, and this is in everyone’s interest. We should not promote or speculate regarding any other alternative. But we will deal with any circumstances in an appropriate and humane manner.
I think it is important to reiterate once once more that Israel, as the occupying power, must provide security and avoid displacement. Displacement is a war crime. Displacement and any activity that aids and encourages displacement is a war crime and must be considered as such. We expect that States will not indulge in activities inconsistent with international humanitarian law.
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