🇹🇷🇪🇬🇵🇸 Turkey's Erdogan on first Egypt visit in decade with Gaza in focus
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan made his first visit to Egypt since 2012 on Wednesday to meet President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, taking a big step toward rebuilding relations between the regional powers.
Erdogan has said discussions would focus on Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip. The leaders, whose relations frayed over Egypt's 2013 military coup and its fallout for the Muslim Brotherhood, planned to hold a joint press conference later.
The visit caps diplomatic efforts in recent years to thaw the nations' frosty relations. They mutually appointed ambassadors last year, and this month Turkey said it would provide Egypt with armed drones.
According to a draft programme, Sisi and Erdogan were to hold bilateral talks before a meeting between the two delegations, with a formal dinner planned.
#Turkey #Egypt #Palestine
@africaintel
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan made his first visit to Egypt since 2012 on Wednesday to meet President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, taking a big step toward rebuilding relations between the regional powers.
Erdogan has said discussions would focus on Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip. The leaders, whose relations frayed over Egypt's 2013 military coup and its fallout for the Muslim Brotherhood, planned to hold a joint press conference later.
The visit caps diplomatic efforts in recent years to thaw the nations' frosty relations. They mutually appointed ambassadors last year, and this month Turkey said it would provide Egypt with armed drones.
According to a draft programme, Sisi and Erdogan were to hold bilateral talks before a meeting between the two delegations, with a formal dinner planned.
#Turkey #Egypt #Palestine
@africaintel
Africa Intel
🇹🇷🇪🇬🇵🇸 Turkey's Erdogan on first Egypt visit in decade with Gaza in focus Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan made his first visit to Egypt since 2012 on Wednesday to meet President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, taking a big step toward rebuilding relations between…
🇹🇷🇪🇬🇵🇸 Erdogan says Turkey ready to cooperate with Egypt on Gaza
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that Turkey was ready for cooperation with Egypt to rebuild Gaza as he made his first visit to the country since 2012.
Erdogan and his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi held a joint news conference on Wednesday in Cairo after bilateral talks.
Erdogan said the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza topped the agenda of their talks. "We will continue to cooperate and stand in solidarity with our Egyptian brothers to put an end to the bloodshed in Gaza," he said, adding Turkey was determined to step up talks with Egypt at all levels in order to establish peace and stability in the region.
Erdogan also vowed to boost trade with Egypt to $15 billion in the short term, adding that the two countries were evaluating energy and defence cooperation.
#Turkey #Egypt #Palestine
@africaintel
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that Turkey was ready for cooperation with Egypt to rebuild Gaza as he made his first visit to the country since 2012.
Erdogan and his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi held a joint news conference on Wednesday in Cairo after bilateral talks.
Erdogan said the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza topped the agenda of their talks. "We will continue to cooperate and stand in solidarity with our Egyptian brothers to put an end to the bloodshed in Gaza," he said, adding Turkey was determined to step up talks with Egypt at all levels in order to establish peace and stability in the region.
Erdogan also vowed to boost trade with Egypt to $15 billion in the short term, adding that the two countries were evaluating energy and defence cooperation.
#Turkey #Egypt #Palestine
@africaintel
🇮🇱🇿🇦🇵🇸🇺🇳 Israel says South Africa serving Hamas in latest bid to World Court
South Africa's latest request to the World Court against a possible offensive by Israel in southern Gaza serves Hamas and is an attempt to stop Israel from defending itself, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
South Africa on Tuesday asked The ICJ to consider whether Israel's plan to extend its offensive in Gaza into the city of Rafah requires additional emergency measures to protect Palestinians.
"South Africa continues to represent the interests of the Hamas terrorist organization and is trying to deny Israel the fundamental right to defend itself and its citizens," said Israel Foreign Ministry spokesperson.
"Israel is committed to upholding international law, including facilitating the transfer of humanitarian aid and preventing harm to innocents, while the Hamas terrorists are hiding behind the civilian population in the Gaza Strip and are holding 134 people hostage," he added.
#Israel #SouthAfrica #Palestine #UN
@africaintel
South Africa's latest request to the World Court against a possible offensive by Israel in southern Gaza serves Hamas and is an attempt to stop Israel from defending itself, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
South Africa on Tuesday asked The ICJ to consider whether Israel's plan to extend its offensive in Gaza into the city of Rafah requires additional emergency measures to protect Palestinians.
"South Africa continues to represent the interests of the Hamas terrorist organization and is trying to deny Israel the fundamental right to defend itself and its citizens," said Israel Foreign Ministry spokesperson.
"Israel is committed to upholding international law, including facilitating the transfer of humanitarian aid and preventing harm to innocents, while the Hamas terrorists are hiding behind the civilian population in the Gaza Strip and are holding 134 people hostage," he added.
#Israel #SouthAfrica #Palestine #UN
@africaintel
🇿🇦🇵🇸🇮🇱 "We are not representing Hamas" said South African foreign minister
South Africa's Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor has blasted Israel's spokesperson for accusing her government of "representing the interests of the Hamas terrorist organisation".
In response Pandor told "insults are the last resort of a scoundrel".
Pandor, who is in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, to attend the African Union summit, said the international community had a responsibility to bring the Israel-Gaza conflict to an end.
"It’s unconscionable that the world has allowed this to carry on for so long," she said.
She added that the world needs to prepare for a "two-state solution".
#SouthAfrica #Palestine #Israel
@africaintel
South Africa's Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor has blasted Israel's spokesperson for accusing her government of "representing the interests of the Hamas terrorist organisation".
In response Pandor told "insults are the last resort of a scoundrel".
Pandor, who is in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, to attend the African Union summit, said the international community had a responsibility to bring the Israel-Gaza conflict to an end.
"It’s unconscionable that the world has allowed this to carry on for so long," she said.
She added that the world needs to prepare for a "two-state solution".
#SouthAfrica #Palestine #Israel
@africaintel
🇪🇬🇵🇸🇮🇱 Egypt denies allegations of participating in any process involving displacement of Gazans into Sinai
Egypt categorically denied allegations of participating in any process involving the displacement of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip into the Sinai Peninsula, the country's State Information Service (SIS) said.
Sources told Reuters that Egypt, as a precautionary measure, is preparing an area at the Gaza border which could accommodate Palestinians in case an Israeli offensive into Rafah prompts an exodus across the frontier.
"Egypt's decisive stance since the beginning of the aggression is to completely reject any forced or voluntary displacement of Palestinian brothers from the Gaza Strip to outside it, especially to Egyptian territory," Diaa Rashwan, the SIS head, said.
He said such scenario would entail "a definite liquidation of the Palestinian cause and a direct threat to Egyptian sovereignty and national security."
#Egypt #Palestine #Israel
@africaintel
Egypt categorically denied allegations of participating in any process involving the displacement of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip into the Sinai Peninsula, the country's State Information Service (SIS) said.
Sources told Reuters that Egypt, as a precautionary measure, is preparing an area at the Gaza border which could accommodate Palestinians in case an Israeli offensive into Rafah prompts an exodus across the frontier.
"Egypt's decisive stance since the beginning of the aggression is to completely reject any forced or voluntary displacement of Palestinian brothers from the Gaza Strip to outside it, especially to Egyptian territory," Diaa Rashwan, the SIS head, said.
He said such scenario would entail "a definite liquidation of the Palestinian cause and a direct threat to Egyptian sovereignty and national security."
#Egypt #Palestine #Israel
@africaintel
🇪🇬🇵🇸🇮🇱 Satellite images show construction on Egypt's border with Palestine
Egypt is preparing an area at the Gaza border which could accommodate Palestinians in case an Israeli offensive into Rafah prompts an exodus across the frontier, Reuters' sources said, in what they described as a contingency move by Cairo.
Egypt, which denied making any such preparations, has repeatedly raised the alarm over the possibility that Israel's devastating Gaza offensive could displace Palestinians into Sinai.
The United States has repeatedly said it would oppose any displacement of Palestinians out of Gaza.
One of the sources said Egypt was optimistic talks to clinch a ceasefire can avoid any such scenario, but is establishing the area at the border as a temporary and precautionary measure.
Three Reuters' security sources said Egypt had begun preparing a desert area with some basic facilities which could be used to shelter Palestinians, emphasising this was a contingency step.
#Egypt #Palestine #Israel
@africaintel
Egypt is preparing an area at the Gaza border which could accommodate Palestinians in case an Israeli offensive into Rafah prompts an exodus across the frontier, Reuters' sources said, in what they described as a contingency move by Cairo.
Egypt, which denied making any such preparations, has repeatedly raised the alarm over the possibility that Israel's devastating Gaza offensive could displace Palestinians into Sinai.
The United States has repeatedly said it would oppose any displacement of Palestinians out of Gaza.
One of the sources said Egypt was optimistic talks to clinch a ceasefire can avoid any such scenario, but is establishing the area at the border as a temporary and precautionary measure.
Three Reuters' security sources said Egypt had begun preparing a desert area with some basic facilities which could be used to shelter Palestinians, emphasising this was a contingency step.
#Egypt #Palestine #Israel
@africaintel
🌍🇮🇱🇵🇸 African leaders condemn Israel's offensive in Gaza
Leaders at an African Union summit in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa on Saturday condemned Israel’s offensive in Gaza and called for its immediate end.
Moussa Faki, the chair of the African Union Commission, said Israel’s offensive was the “most flagrant” violation of international humanitarian law and accused Israel of having “exterminated” Gaza’s inhabitants.
Faki spoke alongside Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, who also addressed the summit.
“Rest assured we strongly condemn these attacks that are unprecedented in the history of mankind,” Faki said to applause from delegates. “We want to reassure you of our solidarity with the people of Palestine.”
#AU #Israel #Palestine
@africaintel
Leaders at an African Union summit in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa on Saturday condemned Israel’s offensive in Gaza and called for its immediate end.
Moussa Faki, the chair of the African Union Commission, said Israel’s offensive was the “most flagrant” violation of international humanitarian law and accused Israel of having “exterminated” Gaza’s inhabitants.
Faki spoke alongside Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, who also addressed the summit.
“Rest assured we strongly condemn these attacks that are unprecedented in the history of mankind,” Faki said to applause from delegates. “We want to reassure you of our solidarity with the people of Palestine.”
#AU #Israel #Palestine
@africaintel
🇿🇦🇺🇳🇮🇱🇵🇸 South Africa asks World Court to find Israeli occupation illegal
South Africa on Tuesday urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to issue a non-binding legal opinion that the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal, arguing it would help efforts to reach a settlement.
Representatives of South Africa opened the second day of hearings at the ICJ. The hearing follows a request by the U.N. General Assembly for an advisory, or non-binding, opinion on the occupation in 2022. More than 50 states will present arguments until February 26.
On Monday, Palestinian representatives asked the U.N.'s highest court to declare Israel's occupation of their territory illegal, also saying the court's advisory opinion could contribute to a two-state solution and a lasting peace.
Israel is not attending the hearings but sent a written statement, saying an advisory opinion would be harmful to achieving a negotiated settlement with the Palestinians.
#SouthAfrica #UN #Israel #Palestine
@africaintel
South Africa on Tuesday urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to issue a non-binding legal opinion that the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal, arguing it would help efforts to reach a settlement.
Representatives of South Africa opened the second day of hearings at the ICJ. The hearing follows a request by the U.N. General Assembly for an advisory, or non-binding, opinion on the occupation in 2022. More than 50 states will present arguments until February 26.
On Monday, Palestinian representatives asked the U.N.'s highest court to declare Israel's occupation of their territory illegal, also saying the court's advisory opinion could contribute to a two-state solution and a lasting peace.
Israel is not attending the hearings but sent a written statement, saying an advisory opinion would be harmful to achieving a negotiated settlement with the Palestinians.
#SouthAfrica #UN #Israel #Palestine
@africaintel
🇺🇸🇩🇿🇵🇸🇮🇱🇺🇳 US blocked Algerian resolution pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza with third UN veto
The United States of America on Tuesday vetoed an Arab-backed and widely supported U.N. resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in the Gaza war.
The vote in the 15-member Security Council was 13-1 with the United Kingdom abstaining.
It was the third U.S. veto of a Security Council resolution demanding a cease-fire in Gaza and came a day after the United States circulated a rival resolution that would support a temporary cease-fire linked to the release of all hostages. It is unclear when and if the resolution will be put to vote.
U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the United States understands the desire for urgent action but believes the resolution would “negatively impact” sensitive negotiations on a hostage deal and a pause in fighting for at least six weeks.
#USA #Algeria #Palestine #Israel #UN
@africaintel
The United States of America on Tuesday vetoed an Arab-backed and widely supported U.N. resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in the Gaza war.
The vote in the 15-member Security Council was 13-1 with the United Kingdom abstaining.
It was the third U.S. veto of a Security Council resolution demanding a cease-fire in Gaza and came a day after the United States circulated a rival resolution that would support a temporary cease-fire linked to the release of all hostages. It is unclear when and if the resolution will be put to vote.
U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the United States understands the desire for urgent action but believes the resolution would “negatively impact” sensitive negotiations on a hostage deal and a pause in fighting for at least six weeks.
#USA #Algeria #Palestine #Israel #UN
@africaintel
🇪🇬🇮🇱🇵🇸 Egypt's foreign minister calls out "world's double standards" over Israel offensive in Gaza
The Egyptian foreign minister said "the world is witnessing the most heinous crimes" against the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, adding that the war there has exposed double standards in the approach to crises around the world.
Sameh Shoukry made the remarks at the session of Human Rights Council in Geneva, stressing the need for a cease-fire and calling on Israel to refrain from carrying out military action in the city of Rafah.
"The weapons of starvation, siege and forced displacement" are being used against the Palestinians, Shoukry said.
He called for the need to enable humanitarian organisations to carry out their work in the Gaza Strip and to allow aid to all parts of the Palestinian enclave.
#Egypt #Israel #Palestine
@africaintel
The Egyptian foreign minister said "the world is witnessing the most heinous crimes" against the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, adding that the war there has exposed double standards in the approach to crises around the world.
Sameh Shoukry made the remarks at the session of Human Rights Council in Geneva, stressing the need for a cease-fire and calling on Israel to refrain from carrying out military action in the city of Rafah.
"The weapons of starvation, siege and forced displacement" are being used against the Palestinians, Shoukry said.
He called for the need to enable humanitarian organisations to carry out their work in the Gaza Strip and to allow aid to all parts of the Palestinian enclave.
#Egypt #Israel #Palestine
@africaintel