High-level source denies Egypt plans to send forces to Gaza

CAIRO – 30 June 2024: A high-level source has underlined Egypt’s rejection of the entry of any Egyptian forces into the Gaza Strip, Al-Qahera News reported on Sunday.

The source affirmed that the arrangements within the Strip after the ongoing Israeli military operation are solely a Palestinian matter.

Meanwhile, the source denied Egypt’s approval for the transfer of the Rafah crossing with Gaza or the construction of a new crossing near the Karm Abu Salem crossing.

He also denied Egypt’s involvement in any discussions regarding Israeli supervision of the Rafah crossing.

The source underlined Egypt's insistence on a full withdrawal of the Israeli army from the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing.

Egypt has consistently opposed the Israeli takeover of the Rafah crossing since May 7 and has refused to coordinate with Israeli forces for aid delivery through this crucial crossing.

In late May, Egypt began redirecting aid trucks carrying life-saving supplies to the Karm Abu Salem crossing between Israel and Gaza instead, following an agreement between Cairo and Washington.

Additionally, Egypt has dismissed reports about plans to deploy Egyptian troops to Gaza as part of a broader coalition in post-war Gaza.

In early June, a high-level source refuted claims of approving the dispatch of forces to Gaza as part of an alleged joint Arab task force under the United Nations for managing the crossings after the war.