Cairo, Egypt — Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has reiterated the nation's unwavering support for the Palestinian Authority, firmly rejecting any plans aimed at displacing Palestinians from their historical lands. His remarks came during a meeting with a delegation from the Palestinian National Liberation Movement, Fatah, on Saturday, as reported by Xinhua news agency. During the meeting, Abdelatty emphasized Egypt's commitment to engaging with key international stakeholders to facilitate the delivery of relief and humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, despite significant barriers posed by the Israeli military.
He highlighted the urgent need for aid to alleviate the suffering of Gazans, who have been enduring an increasingly dire humanitarian crisis. The discussions followed recent Egypt-sponsored talks in Cairo that brought together representatives from Fatah and Hamas. Sources familiar with the negotiations revealed that both factions agreed to establish a temporary, non-political committee to oversee essential services in Gaza. This committee is tasked with managing the Rafah border crossing and ensuring the provision of vital necessities for the besieged population.
The backdrop of these diplomatic efforts is a year-long conflict that reignited on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas attack that resulted in significant casualties, including approximately 1,200 fatalities in Israel and about 250 hostages. The ongoing violence has had devastating consequences in Gaza, where health authorities report that around 42,175 Palestinians have lost their lives as a result of the conflict.
As families in Gaza grapple with forced displacement, disease, and hunger, Abdelatty's commitment reflects Egypt's long-standing role as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The need for unity among Palestinian factions and a strengthened national authority is more critical than ever, as the region continues to navigate the fallout from the violence. With the situation in Gaza reaching critical levels, the international community watches closely to see how Egypt's efforts may influence the future of peace and stability in the region.