Ammon News - Head of Egypt’s State Information Service (SIS), Diaa Rashwan, vehemently denied on Wednesday recent “unfounded allegations” circulating on social media and certain news outlets claiming that additional fees are being imposed on Palestinians at the Rafah Border Crossing, linking Gaza to Egypt.

Addressing the media, Rashwan emphasized that it is inconceivable that Egypt would impose additional burdens on Palestinians during these challenging circumstances.

He pointed to Egypt's significant contribution to the daily influx of humanitarian aid, fuel, and essential supplies into Gaza, constituting no less than 70 percent of the total aid. This assistance, totaling over 150 trucks daily, including six fuel trucks.

Egypt remains resolute in rejecting any economic or financial enticements to compromise the Palestinian cause or force displacement, considering it a matter of national importance, he added.

He also dismissed allegations that any non-official entity was charging fees to cross into Egypt from Gaza.

Rashwan added that since the onset of the Israeli war, Egypt has not imposed any fees on Palestinian crossing into Egypt, whether for medical treatment, residency, or travel within or outside the country.

He urged Palestinian travellers to immediately report any extortion or pressure at the Rafah crossing to Egyptian authorities at the crossing, allowing swift legal action to be taken against them.

The Rafah crossing is currently the only crossing connecting Gaza with the outside world that allows the movement of individuals. The remaining crossings are under Israeli control and are currently closed.

In its latest update of Palestinian casualties, the Palestinian Health Ministry said at least 23,357 people have been killed in the Israeli war on Gaza since 7 October.

Ahram Online