The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reiterated the importance of adhering to established regulations governing visits to the border areas adjacent to the Gaza Strip, particularly the city of Arish and the Rafah border crossing.
In an official statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry welcomed the growing international and regional support for the rights of the Palestinian people and widespread condemnation of the ongoing blockade, starvation tactics, and systematic violations committed by Israel in the Gaza Strip.
The statement emphasized Egypt’s continued commitment to diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the Israeli aggression on Gaza and alleviating the humanitarian crisis that has affected more than two million Palestinians.
In response to recent inquiries and requests by foreign delegations seeking to visit the border areas, the Ministry stressed the necessity of obtaining prior approval in accordance with regulatory procedures established at the onset of the conflict. Requests must be submitted through Egyptian embassies abroad, or via foreign diplomatic missions and recognized international organizations operating in Cairo.
The Ministry noted that several delegations—both governmental and non-governmental, including human rights organizations—have successfully coordinated visits through these official channels.
“Egypt underscores the critical need to follow these procedures to ensure the safety of visiting delegations, particularly given the sensitive and volatile conditions along the border since the beginning of the crisis,” the statement read.
The Ministry made clear that no visit requests or invitations falling outside the approved regulatory framework will be considered.
It also reminded all foreign nationals of their obligation to comply with Egyptian laws and entry regulations, including obtaining the necessary visas or pre-approved permits.
The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of Egypt’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people and its strong condemnation of Israel’s violations of international and humanitarian law. It called for increased international pressure on Israel to end the blockade and to facilitate unimpeded humanitarian access through all Israeli-controlled crossings into Gaza.
