Cairo, September 6 (Petra) – Egypt said that the Rafah Crossing is open on a permanent, 24-hour basis on Egypt's side, despite the closure of the crossing on the Palestinian side due to restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities, which hinder the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

At a joint press conference in Cairo on Saturday with Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Ati condemned Israeli legislation aimed at halting UNRWA's operations in the occupied Palestinian territories.

He commended the UNRWA's staff, who continue their humanitarian work with resilience and dedication despite numerous challenges, including targeted killings by Israeli forces.

Abdel Ati said that UNRWA is an "essential witness" to the international community's responsibility towards the Palestinian cause. He rejected any efforts to undermine the agency’s mandate, which is backed by United Nations resolutions.

The minister criticised the policy of double standards that erodes trust in the international community, calling for an immediate ceasefire in the occupied Palestinian territories.

He urged an end to Israeli obstinacy, which continues to block reasonable solutions, intensifying the humanitarian crisis.

In his remarks, Lazzarini stated, "The famine in Gaza is not a natural disaster, but a man-made one, the result of a suffocating blockade and the systematic prevention of aid."

He called for the immediate opening of the Rafah Crossing to allow the flow of food, medical and relief supplies into Gaza.

Lazzarini discussed the role of the media in conveying the reality of the situation in Gaza, urging news outlets to act as a pressure mechanism to mobilise the international community and push for concrete actions to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.

//Petra// AK

06/09/2025 19:04:36