Tunis, June 11 (TAP) - The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has emphasised that prior approvals are mandatory for visits to its territories, particularly the border region adjacent to Gaza (the city of Arish and the Rafah crossing).

This comes in response to recent requests and inquiries regarding foreign delegations seeking access to the area.

In a statement issued Wednesday evening, the ministry underscored the importance of compliance with Egyptian laws and entry regulations, including obtaining visas or necessary permits in advance.

The ministry noted that the only way for Egyptian authorities to consider such requests is by following the established regulatory procedures, which have been in place since the start of the war on Gaza.

These include submitting formal applications through Egyptian embassies abroad, foreign embassies in Cairo, or representatives of organisations to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The statement highlighted that numerous visits by foreign delegations, both governmental and non-governmental human rights organisations, have already been facilitated under these procedures.

The ministry stressed that adherence to these regulations is crucial to ensure the safety of visiting delegations due to the sensitive security situation in the border area since the outbreak of the Gaza crisis.

It further affirmed that any requests or appeals falling outside the official framework will not be considered.

Meanwhile, the "Soumoud Convoy to Break the Siege on Gaza and Stop the Genocide," which departed from Tunisia on June 9, has now reached the Libyan city of Zliten.

According to activist Jawhar Chenna, the convoy aims to create a "human bridge" to support Palestinians, coordinating with advocates of the Palestinian cause and volunteers.

In a Wednesday statement, the convoy’s steering committee confirmed that it had engaged with the Egyptian ambassador in Tunis before its departure, assuring him in an official meeting that, if permitted to reach the Rafah crossing, it would fully respect Egypt’s sovereignty and laws, directing its rhetoric solely against the “Zionist enemy.”

The committee clarified that its engagement with Egyptian authorities is strictly limited to legal, administrative and security coordination concerning the convoy’s passage.