Ibrahim al-Khazen
14 November 2023•Update: 14 November 2023
ANKARA
Egypt has termed a call by far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for the “voluntary migration” of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip as “irresponsible.”
Smotrich said early Tuesday that the “voluntary migration” of Palestinians in Gaza is the “right humanitarian solution” for the besieged enclave and for the region.
This statement “is an expression of the Israeli government's policy that violates international laws,” Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said in remarks cited by a statement released by the Foreign Ministry.
“Any attempt to justify and encourage the displacement of Palestinians outside the Gaza Strip is completely rejected by Egypt and internationally,” he added.
The top diplomat said the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza “is the result of the deliberate military targeting of civilians and the intentional siege and starvation operations, aimed at creating conditions that lead citizens to leave their homes and areas of residence, in a full-fledged war crime.”
“Egypt categorically rejects the policies of forced displacement of Palestinians, or deliberately withholding humanitarian aid and necessary services in a way that creates unbearable conditions for civilians, or allowing the liquidation of the Palestinian cause,” he stressed.
Israel has launched relentless air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7.
At least 11,240 Palestinians have been killed, including over 7,800 women and children, and over 29,200 others injured, according to the latest figures from Palestinian authorities.
Thousands of buildings, including hospitals, mosques, and churches, have also been damaged or destroyed in the Israeli offensive since last month.
The Israeli death toll, meanwhile, is nearly 1,200, according to official figures.
*Writing by Ziad Aslan in Ankara
