Palestinian Tribes Present Abou El-Enein with Tribal Shield

Mohamed Abou El-Enein, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, warmly received Akif Al-Masri, the General Commissioner of the Supreme Authority for Palestinian Tribal Affairs in Gaza, in his Cairo office on Monday. 

The visit showcased his ongoing support for the Palestinian cause, as well as his proposal to end divisions between factions, which he sees as a significant threat to the cause and a further tragedy alongside the Israeli occupation.

In appreciation of his consistent support for the Palestinian cause, both in the Egyptian Parliament and during his participation in the Mediterranean Parliament sessions with European parliamentarians, the representative of the Palestinian tribes gifted Abou El-Enein with a Palestinian Keffiyeh, a symbol of resistance, and a tribal shield.

Abou El-Enein reiterated during the meeting that supporting the Palestinian cause is a national duty. He stressed that it is pivotal to the Arab nation and at the top of Egypt's priority list - with the country’s leadership, government, and people all backing it.

He acknowledged Egypt’s enduring commitment to the Palestinian cause throughout history until an independent state is realized within the boundaries of June 4, 1967, with Jerusalem as its capital and the return of refugees per international law resolutions.

Abou El-Enein lauded the Supreme Authority for Palestinian Tribal Affairs’ initiative to end the Palestinian divide. He stated it represents a broad national front and springs from deep concern for the Palestinian cause. 

He urged Palestinian factions not to squander opportunities and expedite the process of reconciliation and reorganization within the Palestinian house to focus on confronting the Israeli occupation and achieving full independence.

Abou El-Enein warned that some factions don't want resolution and do not represent the voice of the Palestinian people, leveraging the cause for their personal gain. Some initiatives are being opposed by followers of these factions in an attempt to serve personal interests rather than the ultimate goal of statehood. 

He pointed out that the international community is preoccupied due to the magnitude of economic challenges and geopolitical changes.

He clarified that Egypt values all peaceful initiatives provided they do not interfere with the internal affairs of states. He encouraged Palestinians to voice their concerns on international forums and media platforms under a unified national front. 

He stressed the need to revive national spirit, harness popular alignment, and organize an inclusive national conference to inspire unity among Palestinians, noting that the public is well-educated and aware of the challenges they face.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives declared that Egypt, with its mosques, churches, and parliamentary councils, speaks about the Palestinian issue as if it were an Egyptian one. The only condition for achieving unity is sincerity in intentions. 

Recalling his major battle in 2008 following Israeli attacks on Gaza, he invited Josep Borrell to visit Gaza during the attack and successfully formed a fact-finding committee within the corridors of the European Parliament. 

He highlighted that speeches by President El-Sisi, ministers, and Egyptian parliamentarians always emphasize the centrality of the Palestinian issue and its role in the instability in the Middle East.

For his part, Akif Al-Masri, the General Commissioner of the Supreme Authority for Palestinian Tribal Affairs, expressed the Palestinian people's pride in the role of Egypt in defending the rights of the Palestinian people over years of conflict with Israel. 

He reaffirmed the vitality and centrality of the Egyptian role, the primary sponsor of Palestinian reconciliation over the years of division.