Cairo: Egypt highlights the necessity of obtaining prior approvals for foreign delegations intending to visit the border regions adjacent to Gaza, specifically the city of Arish and the Rafah crossing. This directive was emphasized as part of an official statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Immigration, and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs.
According to Libyan News Agency, the statement was released in conjunction with the initiation of a popular convoy originating from Tunisia and Algeria, traveling through Libya under the banner “The Maghreb Steadfastness Convoy to Break the Siege on the Gaza Strip.” The convoy was slated to reach the Egyptian city of Rafah on June 15. The Ministry underscored that the processing of requests and inquiries regarding visits by foreign delegations to the border area is contingent upon adherence to established regulatory controls and mechanisms. These include the submission of official requests to Egyptian embassies or through foreign embassies in Cairo and representatives of organizations to the Ministry.
The Ministry’s statement further noted that these regulatory controls have been established to ensure the safety of visiting delegations due to the sensitive nature of the border area since the onset of the crisis in Gaza. It was made clear that requests or invitations outside the defined framework would not be considered.
Additionally, the statement emphasized the importance of international citizens complying with the entry laws and regulations of Egyptian territory, which includes obtaining necessary visas or permits. Egypt reiterated its support for the Palestinian people and its opposition to Israel’s violations of international law, urging pressure on Israel to end the Gaza blockade and allow humanitarian access.