16 October 2023; MEMO: The Egyptian National Security Council, headed by President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, yesterday decided to continue contacts with international and regional partners in pursuit of de-escalation and to stop the targeting of civilians in the Gaza Strip.
During a meeting headed by Al-Sisi, the council discussed the regional situation and the military escalation in the Gaza Strip.
The council stressed its rejection of the displacement policy or attempts to liquidate the Palestinian issue at the expense of neighbouring countries, stressing Egypt’s readiness to make any effort to calm the situation and launch a real peace process.
The council decided to intensify contacts with international relief and regional organisations in order to deliver the required aid to Gaza.
The National Security Council stressed that Egypt’s national security is a red line and there should be no complacency in protecting it, calling for hosting a regional and international summit in order to address developments and the future of the Palestinian issue.
On Saturday, Egypt refused the passage of American nationals through the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip and stipulated that they be allowed to cross only when aid is allowed into the Strip.
