Egypt's President El-Sisi Condemns Gaza Blockade, Warns of Genocide and Displacement

Strategic Insights -

President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt has vehemently condemned the ongoing blockade in Gaza, describing it as a "war of starvation, genocide, and an attempt to eliminate the Palestinian cause." Speaking during a press conference with Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, El-Sisi emphasized the international community's inaction, stating that the lives of Palestinians are being used as "political bargaining cards." He called for an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid, and criticized the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) as a "death trap" due to Israeli soldiers killing over 1,400 aid-seeking Palestinians at its centers. El-Sisi also rejected claims of Egyptian complicity in the blockade and instead pointed to Israel's control of the Palestinian side of the border crossing.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Gaza war has entered its second year, with Israel's war on Gaza including a full blockade since March 2, 2023, described as a "war of starvation, genocide, and an attempt to eliminate the Palestinian cause" by El-Sisi.
  • The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), established with US and Israeli backing, has been criticized by international aid agencies as a "death trap" due to Israeli soldiers killing over 1,400 aid-seeking Palestinians.
  • El-Sisi emphasized that Egypt has delivered over 70% of the aid entering Gaza and has kept the Rafah border crossing open, with 5,000 aid trucks ready to move into Gaza on Egyptian soil.
  • The President called for an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian aid, stating that Egypt remains committed to delivering aid and stopping the war.
  • El-Sisi reiterated Egypt's refusal to allow the forced displacement of Palestinians into Sinai or elsewhere and warned against attempts to shift attention from the real cause of the current tragic situation in Palestine.
  • He commended Vietnam's consistent support for Palestinian statehood and a two-state solution.

Statistics:

  • 1,400: Number of aid-seeking Palestinians killed by Israeli soldiers at Gaza Humanitarian Foundation centers since its inception.
  • 600-700 trucks: Number of trucks that entered Gaza daily to support 2.3 million Palestinians before the war.
  • 5,000: Number of aid trucks currently stationed on Egyptian soil, ready to move into Gaza.
  • 8 October: Date since which Egypt has maintained a clear stance against the forced displacement of Palestinians from their land.
  • 20 years: The amount of time Egypt has been making efforts to prevent escalation in Gaza.

Sources:

  • "Egypt's President El-Sisi calls on world to stop war in Gaza, protect Palestinians" - State Information Service Egypt, August 5, 2025.