President Sisi rejects collective punishment policies on Gaza civilians

CAIRO - 16 October 2023: President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi received Catherine Colonna, the Foreign Minister of France, in the presence of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sameh Shoukry.

Ahmed Fahmy, the official presidential spokesperson, explained that the meeting reaffirmed the strategic importance of the distinguished bilateral relations between the two countries in various economic, developmental, and cultural fields.

It also highlighted the intensive coordination and consultation between both sides on various political and security issues of mutual interest, which was reflected in recent days through extensive phone calls between the President al- Sisi and the French President Emmanuel Macron. These calls aimed to support and maintain security and stability in the Middle East, the Mediterranean region, and the African continent.

During the meeting, insights and perspectives on the latest developments in key regional issues were exchanged, especially concerning the military escalation in the Gaza Strip. The French side presented its vision on this matter, commending Egypt's pivotal role in dealing with this vital regional issue, handling it wisely and responsibly from various political and humanitarian aspects.

Both parties agreed on the gravity of the current situation, its threat to the security and stability of the region, and the necessity of preventing the expansion of the conflict. They stressed the importance of protecting civilians, preventing their targeting, and respecting international humanitarian law.

President al-Sisi highlighted the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the international community's responsibility to provide humanitarian and relief assistance to the people of Gaza and alleviate their suffering. In this context, he emphasized the need to de-escalate the situation and rejected subjecting civilians to collective punishment through blockades, starvation, or displacement.


The meeting between al-Sisi and the French Foreign Minister underscores the importance of diplomatic efforts to address the ongoing crisis in Gaza. The Gaza Strip has been the site of repeated conflicts and military escalations, resulting in significant humanitarian challenges for the civilian population. The meeting highlights the international community's interest in de-escalation and the need for humanitarian assistance to alleviate the suffering of Gaza's residents.

Egypt has played a crucial role in mediating between various parties involved in the Gaza conflict, and this meeting emphasizes its commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza is open, but it became “inoperable” after Israel bombed it, said Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry in an interview with the CNN.

“The border crossing was bombed [by Israel]. The Palestinian side is not in a position to receive vehicles,” Shoukry was quoted as saying.

"Egypt refused to allow foreign citizens, including Americans stranded at the Rafah border crossing, to leave the strip through it," officials from Gaza told Al Qahera News channel on Saturday.

Egypt conditioned that the Rafah border crossing should be used to send humanitarian aid to Palestinians who are under the Israeli attack and besiege, the officials added.

It was reported by AFP that a US official said Israel and Egypt agree to “allow American citizens to leave Gaza through the Rafah crossing today,” adding “the United States have not yet confirmed that the agreement was being implemented.”

 Over the past days, Al-Arish in Egypt’s northern Sinai received tons of urgent humanitarian aid from many countries to be delivered to the Palestinian people in Gaza, who total more than 2 million people.

Israel has called Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to leave their homes and head for the southern part of the strip, near the Egyptian border city of Al Arish, ahead of the Israeli ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, which has been bombed since October 7. The Israeli call reflects how Israel is working to expel all Palestinians from their lands and violate international laws and norms.