Sisi, who came to power after leading a military coup against Egypt’s democratically elected President Mohamed Morsi in 2013, is scheduled to arrive in Ankara tomorrow for discussions expected to address regional issues, including the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
The platform’s spokesperson, Aziz Oğuzhan Karaman, delivered a forceful statement during a press conference in Ankara, where he condemned Sisi’s administration for its pro-Israel stance and its failure to adequately support the besieged population of Gaza. Karaman specifically criticized Egypt's restrictive measures at the Rafah Border Crossing, Gaza’s only gateway to the outside world not controlled by Israel, which has severely limited the flow of essential supplies into the blockaded territory.
Historical Accountability and the Ongoing Genocide in Gaza
Karaman did not mince words when describing the situation in Gaza, characterizing the sustained Israeli military campaign as an "ongoing genocide" that has persisted for 332 days. He emphasized that this series of violent acts against Palestinian civilians, including women and children, will be remembered as one of the most painful episodes in modern history. Karaman warned that future generations will not only condemn Israel, the perpetrator of these atrocities, but will also hold the international community, particularly Muslim leaders, accountable for their inaction.
"There are periods in history that are never forgotten," Karaman declared. "The genocide in Gaza will be remembered with sorrow and outrage, a blot on the conscience of the world. Future generations will curse Israel for its brutality, but they will also judge harshly those who did nothing to stop it—Muslim leaders who stood by, silent and complicit."
The Role of Egypt and the Imperative for Immediate Aid
In his statement, Karaman underscored Egypt’s critical role in the Gaza crisis, given its geographical and political position. He called on President Sisi to take immediate steps to end the blockade at the Rafah Border Crossing and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches the civilians who desperately need it. "It is a humanitarian obligation for the Egyptian President to end this shameful blockade and allow the free passage of humanitarian and medical aid into Gaza," Karaman stated.
He further noted that the international community, particularly neighboring Arab and Muslim nations, has a moral responsibility to act. Karaman expressed hope that Sisi’s visit to Ankara could lead to positive outcomes in ongoing ceasefire negotiations and a more active role for Egypt in halting what he described as the genocidal actions of Israel.
Legitimacy of Palestinian Resistance and Criticism of Egypt’s Policies
The platform’s statement also robustly defended the legitimacy of Palestinian resistance groups, including Hamas. Karaman argued that these groups are exercising their internationally recognized rights to self-defense and self-determination in the face of Israeli occupation and aggression. He condemned Egypt’s labeling of these groups as terrorist organizations and criticized Cairo for pursuing policies that he said align more with Israeli interests than with those of the Palestinian people.
"All Palestinian resistance groups, including Hamas, are legitimate and lawful under international law," Karaman asserted. "These groups are defending their land against occupying forces, and it is morally indefensible for Egypt to undermine their struggle by labeling them as terrorists. Such actions only serve the interests of Israel and betray the Palestinian cause."
Strategic Importance of Gaza’s Tunnels and Egypt’s Obligations
Karaman also highlighted the strategic importance of the network of tunnels that run beneath Gaza, which have been a lifeline for the besieged population, providing essential supplies and enabling resistance against Israeli forces. He warned that any Egyptian actions aimed at destroying these tunnels would deal a severe blow to Gaza’s ability to resist occupation.
"The tunnels are Gaza’s only breathing space under the harsh blockade imposed by Israel," Karaman said. "They have allowed Gaza to survive and resist for 332 days against an occupying force that defeated several states, including Egypt, in just six days. Any intervention against these tunnels would be a direct attack on Gaza’s legitimate resistance."
Egypt’s Security and the Threat of Israeli Expansionism
The statement also touched on the broader regional implications of Israel’s actions, suggesting that Israel’s expansionist ambitions pose a direct threat not only to Gaza but also to Egypt’s territorial integrity. Karaman referenced an incident from May when Israeli forces allegedly took control of the Rafah Border Crossing and killed Egyptian soldiers, interpreting this as a sign of Israel’s broader regional ambitions.
"Israel is not just a threat to Gaza; it is a threat to Egypt and the entire region," Karaman warned. "Israel’s expansionist policies, driven by its belief in a divine promise of land, extend beyond Gaza. The incident at Rafah is a clear indication that Israel has its eyes on Egyptian territory as well. It is imperative that Egypt takes strong measures against Israel and supports Gaza, not just for the sake of the Palestinian people, but for its own security."
A Call for Joint Action and Historical Responsibility
In closing, Karaman called for Egypt and Türkiye to work together in supporting the establishment of a free Palestinian state, emphasizing that Sisi’s visit to Ankara presents an opportunity for him to align himself with the right side of history.
"We, as the Ankara Palestine Solidarity Platform, are aware of the importance of joint action between Egypt and Türkiye to stop the genocide being perpetrated by Zionist Israel and to establish a free Palestinian state," Karaman concluded. "We urge President Sisi to abandon his current stance against Palestine and to join Türkiye in taking a stand for justice and human rights. This is an opportunity for Sisi to avoid being remembered as an accomplice to genocide and to take his place on the right side of history."
As the region awaits the outcome of Sisi’s visit to Türkiye, the platform’s call to action serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for international cooperation in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. (ILKHA)