Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry revealed in an interview with CNN that "all reports from UN agencies indicate that a humanitarian disaster" is looming in Gaza. He emphasized that "the resolution of the Palestinian issue by removing all Palestinians from the land is unacceptable" and asserted that this would be "a violation of international humanitarian law."
Commenting on UN Secretary-General António Guterres activating Article 99, Shoukry stated, "Certainly, the Secretary-General will activate Article 99 due to his responsibility to assess any threat to international peace and security." He added, "All reports from UN agencies indicate that there is a disaster, a humanitarian disaster based on conditions. Currently, civilians in Gaza are suffering from shortages of food, shelter, medical care, sanitation, and healthcare. This is completely catastrophic."
When asked, "Why doesn't Egypt allow Palestinians to enter Sinai?" Shoukry's response addressed the issue of Palestinians exiting through the Rafah crossing and Egypt's refusal to allow residents of Gaza to move to Sinai. He stated, "This would constitute a violation of international humanitarian law. Any form of displacement, whether internal or external, is considered a violation, and we will not become a party to such a violation."
He further noted, "But the Palestinians themselves do not want to leave, and they should not be forcibly displaced. The resolution of the Palestinian issue by removing all Palestinians from the land is unacceptable, and as I said, it is a violation of international humanitarian law."
