Sisi accuses Israel of 'systematic genocide'

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has condemned Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza as a “war of starvation and genocide,” stating it has moved far beyond any political or military justification.

1news.media reports, citing Gulf Today, that speaking at a joint press conference in Cairo with his Vietnamese counterpart, Sisi criticized what he called a “systematic effort to eradicate the Palestinian cause” and denied allegations that Egypt has been blocking humanitarian aid.

According to Gaza’s health ministry, over 61,000 Palestinians have been killed during the conflict, and eight more died of hunger just in the last 24 hours.

Sisi refuted claims that Egypt closed the Rafah border crossing, stating that the entry point has only been blocked since Israeli troops seized the Palestinian side in May 2024. He emphasized that over 5,000 aid trucks are ready to enter Gaza if Israel permits it.

The Egyptian president also reaffirmed his country’s role as a mediator—not a destination for displaced Palestinians—rejecting any proposals to resettle Gazans in Egypt.

Sisi’s remarks come as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu considers a full military takeover of Gaza, which could be decided at a cabinet meeting later this week. The idea has sparked international concern and criticism, especially amid ongoing reports of Israeli fire killing civilians waiting for aid.