Cairo, Egypt – Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty met with Rawhi Fattouh, Speaker of the Palestinian National Council, and Azzam al-Ahmad, Secretary-General of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, to discuss developments in the Palestinian issue and the latest situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. This meeting took place within the framework of ongoing consultations and coordination between the two sides. Ambassador Tamim Khallaf, the official spokesperson for the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Minister Abdel-Aty affirmed Egypt’s full support for the Palestinian cause during the meeting. He also emphasized Egypt’s unwavering position regarding the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them their right to self-determination and the establishment of their independent state within the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with relevant international resolutions.
The official spokesperson explained that the Foreign Minister stressed that the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip represents a crucial first step that must be built upon to achieve a sustainable truce. He also affirmed Egypt’s commitment to continuing its efforts to achieve security and peace in the region, prevent a renewed military escalation, and ensure the continued flow of humanitarian and relief aid to the Strip. Furthermore, Abdel-Aty emphasized Egypt’s support for the National Committee for the Administration of the Gaza Strip, headed by Dr. Ali Shaath, as a temporary transitional framework for managing daily affairs and meeting the basic needs of the population. This contributes to stabilizing the situation during the transitional phase and paves the way for the Palestinian Authority to resume its full responsibilities in the Strip, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2803.
The Minister reiterated Egypt’s support for the formation and deployment of an international stabilization force to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire, ensure the flow of humanitarian aid, and oversee the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the areas they control within the Gaza Strip. He also affirmed support for the completion of the second phase of the US plan. He stressed the necessity of preserving the unity of Palestinian territory and rejected any attempts to separate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank or to divide the Strip. The Foreign Minister condemned the ongoing Israeli decisions and violations in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, particularly those related to deepening the illegal annexation plan and altering land registration and administration procedures. He also condemned the facilitation of the seizure of Palestinian property, the transfer of Hebron municipality’s powers to the occupation authorities, the imposition of measures enabling the demolition of Palestinian buildings, as well as settlement expansion, land confiscation, and settler violence. He affirmed that these practices constitute a flagrant violation of international law and UN resolutions. He further considered them a direct threat to the prospects for achieving peace and a two-state solution.
For their part, Rouhi Fattouh and Azzam al-Ahmad expressed their appreciation for Egypt’s historic and pivotal role in supporting the Palestinian cause. They also commended the efforts exerted by Cairo, under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, to solidify the ceasefire in Gaza, facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid, and support the resilience of the Palestinian people. They further emphasized the importance of continued coordination and consultation with Egypt in the coming period, in support of Palestinian unity and joint action to reach a just and comprehensive political settlement that guarantees the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
