Cairo, Egypt – Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdel-Aty met in Cairo with the Acting Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Mr. Christian Saunders. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 166th regular session of the Council of the League of Arab States at the ministerial level, held at the League’s headquarters in Cairo. Discussions focused on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. They also discussed the major challenges facing the UN agency and ways to mobilize the necessary support to enable it to continue fulfilling its historic mandate.
Egypt affirms UNRWA’s role and condemns Israeli violations
During the meeting, Minister Badr Abdel-Aty affirmed Egypt’s full and unwavering support for UNRWA. He emphasized that its role is a fundamental and indispensable pillar in providing essential services to Palestinian refugees. He also stressed the necessity of providing all forms of political and financial support to ensure its continued and regular operation in its five areas of operation.
In this context, Minister Abdel-Aati strongly condemned the ongoing and systematic Israeli attacks and violations against UNRWA headquarters and centers. Among the most prominent of these violations was the Israeli forces’ raid on and seizure of the UNRWA Qalandia Training Centre in occupied East Jerusalem on August 25. He also reiterated the need for full respect for the inviolability of UN premises and for providing the necessary protection for UN personnel. Furthermore, he categorically rejected any malicious attempts to undermine UNRWA’s role or compromise its UN mandate.
Developments in Gaza and the need to ensure the flow of aid
The two sides discussed the latest developments in the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. The Foreign Minister stressed the importance of ensuring full, safe, and sustained access for humanitarian aid and relief to the Strip without any Israeli obstruction. He also called for intensified international efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people. Furthermore, he highlighted the pivotal role of UNRWA in the humanitarian response within the Gaza Strip and emphasized the need to enable it to carry out its humanitarian mandate in light of the growing needs of civilians and refugees.
For his part, Mr. Christian Saunders reviewed the growing and successive challenges facing UNRWA’s work. He also discussed the extremely difficult humanitarian conditions endured by Palestinian refugees, particularly in the Gaza Strip. He further explained the strenuous efforts undertaken by the Agency to continue providing its vital services despite the significant field and financial challenges. Finally, he expressed his deep gratitude and appreciation for Egypt’s continued support for UNRWA and for Egypt’s leading role in supporting the Palestinian people and alleviating their suffering.
