CAIRO – 9 January 2024: Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shokry received Tuesday his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock to confer over developments in the region, particularly in Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories.
They later held a joint press conference at the ministry's headquarters in the New Administrative Capital where Minister Shokry stated that the meeting tackled the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and the restoration of political prospects pertinent to the two-state solution.
The Egyptian minister noted that the persistence of the occupation is one of the main reasons behind the absence of stability in the region, underscoring the salience of dealing with issues pertaining to the region's security as well as establishing a Palestinian state having as capital Eastern Jerusalem.
The minister equally criticized the Israeli escalation against civilians in Gaza, reiterating Egypt's rejection to the pressure exerted on Palestinians to be displaced, and underlining the necessity of a ceasefire and handling the captives' problem.
Minister Shokry criticized the stance of the international community as over 23,000, including 10,000 children, got killed and two million Palestinians as besieged in southern Gaza without basic needs.
The minister added that the October 7 attack was the outcome of provocations embodied in eviction of residents to be substituted with settlers and persecution of Palestinians.
On her side, Minister Baerbock expressed her country's concern about the current escalation in the region warning of the expansion of conflicts. She added that an end must be put to the humanitarian suffering highlighting that many innocent civilians are suffering in Gaza.
In a related context, the German minister commended the role carried out by Egypt during the crisis. Yet, she affirmed that her country is supporting Israel which was attacked by Hamas.
However, the minister asserted that Israel must protect civilians in Gaza and not imperil their lives. That is in addition to holding a ceasefire that would allow the delivery of more humanitarian aid.
In that framework, Minister Baerbock pointed out that Germany had committed €211 million in aid to Gaza. She further affirmed rejection to the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank stressing the necessity of maintaining their right in their lands.
The German minister is heading to Arish and Rafah to check the preparation of aid ahead of its delivery to Gaza Strip.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Egypt in October to discuss the Gaza crisis with President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi. He stated in the joint press conference that Berlin supports Egypt's efforts to de-escalate the situation in Gaza.
“Together with Egypt, we want to work to alleviate the terrible consequences of the war," Scholz said.
In turn, President Sisi explained that any Israeli attempt to displace Palestinians in Sinai means that Palestinians in the West Bank will also be displaced in Jordan. He added that would lead to both countries being used as platforms to launch attacks on Israel and this would effectively end peace.
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