Shoukry Stresses International Opposition to Gaza's Separation from West Bank

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry has firmly rejected Israel's policies aimed at forcibly displacing Palestinians from their lands. Speaking in Barcelona at a meeting with foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Palestine, Turkey, and the Secretary-General of the Arab League, along with the Spanish Foreign Minister, Shoukry emphasized the need for countries opposing these policies to exert more effort to halt them. This discussion took place on the sidelines of the 8th Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean, focusing on the situation in Gaza.

Ahmed Abou Zeid, the spokesperson and Director of Public Diplomacy at Egypt's Foreign Ministry, reported that Minister Shoukry appreciated Spain's historical support for the Palestinian cause and adherence to international principles. Shoukry highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, stressing the need for immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities – achievable only with international pressure on Israel.

He noted the limited aid entering Gaza, even during the current temporary truce, due to Israeli restrictions. This situation led Arab and Islamic groups to propose a resolution at the UN Security Council to address the imbalance in humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza. Shoukry expressed hope for Spain, in its current EU presidency, to support international efforts to ensure the full and sustainable entry of humanitarian aid.

Foreign ministers lauded Spain's positive and balanced stance on the Gaza conflict, advocating for an immediate ceasefire and access to humanitarian and relief aid while respecting international humanitarian law principles. This sentiment was reinforced by statements from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez during his recent regional tour and at a joint press conference with the Belgian Prime Minister at the Rafah Crossing.

The ministers also appreciated Spain's hosting of the current forum session, dedicated to discussing developments in and around Gaza, signifying the region's critical situation and the need for concerted international efforts to address it.