CAIRO: Egypt has denied any talks with Israel regarding a military offensive in the Palestinian city of Rafah in the south of the Gaza Strip.
Diaa Rashwan, the head of Egypt’s State Information Service, on Wednesday rejected a report by one of the major American newspapers that Egypt has discussed its plans for an offensive in Rafah with the Israeli side.
Rashwan said Egypt has several times expressed its complete opposition to the military operation, which will lead to further killings, massive human losses, and more destruction.
He added that Egypt’s warnings have already reached the Israeli side, from all channels, since Israel planning to conduct a military operation in Rafah.
The official said Egypt has warned Israel of expected losses and the negative repercussions on the stability of the entire region of the Middle East.
Israel contemplating military operation
Rashwan went on to say that Israel is contemplating its military operation, which Egypt and most of the international community and global institutions stand against. He noted that Egyptian efforts since the start of the Israeli aggression on October 7 had focused on reaching a ceasefire deal and the exchange of prisoners and detainees.
He said Egypt was seeking the entry of humanitarian assistance into the Gaza Strip, especially the north of the Palestinian enclave, and the evacuation of injured and sick people for treatment out of the area.
Egypt has repeatedly opposed the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza and has warned against any military offensive in Rafah, where most of the displaced population is taking shelter.
