Egypt Reaffirms Entry Rules for Foreign Delegations at Gaza Border

CairoScene

a day ago

Prior approval is required for all visits to areas adjacent to Gaza as Egypt cites security risks and coordination protocol.
Jun 12, 2025
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement reaffirming the regulations governing visits by foreign delegations to areas adjacent to the Gaza Strip, including El-Arish and the Rafah border crossing.
In its statement, Egypt welcomed international and regional positions—both governmental and popular—that support Palestinian rights and denounce Israel's ongoing blockade and military actions in Gaza. The ministry reiterated Egypt's continued efforts to 'end the aggression against the Strip and the humanitarian catastrophe that has befallen over 2 million Palestinians.'
However, in response to recent inquiries, Egypt underscored that all foreign delegations seeking to visit the Gaza border area must obtain prior approval in accordance with longstanding regulations.
'Egypt affirms that the only means by which the Egyptian authorities will continue to consider these requests is through adherence to the regulatory procedures and mechanism in place since the beginning of the war on Gaza,' the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote in its statement. 'This includes submitting an official request either to the Egyptian embassies abroad or through foreign embassies in Cairo and representatives of organizations to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is noted that numerous visits have previously been arranged for foreign delegations, whether governmental or from non-governmental human rights organizations.'
The statement concluded by reaffirming Egypt's support for Palestinian resilience, condemning Israel's violations of international and humanitarian law, and calling for increased international pressure to lift the blockade on Gaza and allow unrestricted humanitarian access through Israeli-controlled crossings.