EU’s Borrell Visits Egypt to Address Gaza Humanitarian Crisis

EU’s Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell Visits Egypt Amid Gaza Crisis

On Monday, Josep Borrell, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, arrived in Egypt for crucial discussions with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi aimed at addressing the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This visit is particularly significant as it takes place “against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Gaza, where the catastrophic humanitarian situation and the plight of hostages render an urgent ceasefire increasingly essential,” as stated by the European External Action Service (EEAS).

The situation in Gaza has reached alarming levels, with the region teetering on the brink of famine and facing a collapse of its healthcare system. This dire scenario has been exacerbated by relentless Israeli airstrikes, which are a response to the Hamas terrorist attacks and hostage-taking incidents that occurred in Israel on October 7 of the previous year.

Following his discussions with President El-Sisi, Borrell is scheduled to visit the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing, which connects Egypt to Gaza. During this visit, he will engage with United Nations agencies operating on the ground to assess the situation directly. Additionally, Borrell will inaugurate an EU-funded initiative aimed at supporting Gazan children and their caregivers in Egypt. His itinerary will also include discussions about the mediation efforts spearheaded by Egypt, the United States, and Qatar, alongside the EU’s commitment to alleviating human suffering in the Gaza Strip.

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Later this week, Borrell will extend his visit to Lebanon, where he will focus on the country’s stability and its pivotal role in the broader regional conflict, as highlighted by the EEAS. “This mission is part of the EU’s ongoing efforts to engage with the region to prevent further escalation of tensions,” the agency added.

Borrell’s visit occurs amid heightened tensions, particularly following an incident on Sunday when a Jordanian lorry driver fatally shot three Israelis at the Allenby Bridge crossing point between Jordan and the West Bank. Furthermore, this trip to Egypt comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent assertions advocating for Israeli forces to maintain their presence in the Salah Al Din corridor in Gaza, an area adjacent to the Egyptian border. The status of this corridor is expected to play a crucial role in any potential ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.