Day 12
Egypt
Humanitarian aid sent from Iran for the people of Gaza was blocked by Egypt as demanded by Israel. Egyptian authorities politely refused the assistance from Tehran, which included food, medical supplies, and medicines, due to requests from Tel Aviv. Although Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi made a statement during the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit in Riyadh that Muslims should stand together during these times of crisis in Palestine, Egypt declined the offer. Kolivand told Egyptian authorities of the need for continuing support for the oppressed people of Gaza. Pray that the critical involvement of Egypt during the crisis time in the Middle East will ease the warring conditions. Pray for the weary souls of Egypt to turn their hearts to Jesus Christ (The Bible, Isaiah 44:3).
Source:
https://new.thecradle.co/articles/egypt-rejects-iranian-aid-for-gaza-at-israels-request
Egypt is the second largest economy in Africa. Despite this, the country has a workforce deficit, and 32% of its population lives below the poverty line. Without concrete plans to expand existing resources for a growing population, rural farmers abandon traditional farmlands for urban areas in search of opportunities. Egypt also plays host to the largest refugee population in the world. They house more than six hundred thousand refugees from 10 different countries. In 2023, Egypt dropped 15 places to finish at 35th rank in the Open Doors Persecution Index. This drop is due to a decrease in violent killings and church attacks in 2022. Christians in the southern part of the country are the most vulnerable to persecution-based attacks. This part of the country (also known as Upper Egypt) is where Islamist movements such as the Salafists are heavily active. Furthermore, poor enforcement of laws to protect Christians emboldens those who persecute. Christian Believers who converted from Islam faced the worst persecution in Egypt.
