Israel's blocking aid, letting aid rot ‘1st phase of its genocide conducted on other side of border,’: Turkish foreign minister

By Esra Tekin

ISTANBUL (AA) – Israel's blocking aid, killing aid workers, preventing evacuations, and allowing humanitarian supplies to rot are crimes against humanity and the “first phase of the genocide being conducted on the other side of the border,” said Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Egypt on Sunday.

“Israel's closing of the border gate, targeting aid convoys, killing humanitarian workers, blocking the evacuation of the sick and civilians, and causing the decay of thousands of trucks' worth of aid materials are crimes against humanity and constitute the first stage of the genocide being conducted on the other side of the border,” Fidan said on X.

His remarks came after a visit to Egypt’s al-Arish port and Rafah border.

Türkiye is the country that has provided the most assistance to the people of the Gaza Strip, Fidan said, adding that his purpose is not to discuss the aid sent by Ankara, but to “draw the world's attention to the genocide happening in Gaza."

He urged the global community not to remain silent on “Israel’s oppression” and called for “greater efforts” to ensure that aid reaches Gaza without being obstructed or interrupted.

He reiterated Türkiye’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people, saying: "We will continue to fulfil our moral and humanitarian duties properly."

Fidan also met with North Sinai Governor Major-General Khaled Megawer, in al-Arish.

Hakan Fidan is on a two-day visit to Egypt at the invitation of his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty, according to diplomatic sources.

Last month, Badr Abdelatty was appointed Egypt’s foreign minister in a newly formed government.

The visit is marking Fidan's first official meeting with his Egyptian counterpart.

During their meeting, Fidan and Abdelatty will discuss preparations for the first High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting, set to take place during Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's upcoming visit to Türkiye.