Egypt reaffirms support for two-state solution – Abdel Atty
Egypt fully supports the two-state solution, advocating for an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza, with East Jerusalem as its capital, according to Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Atty on Monday.
These remarks were made during the fourth meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, hosted by Egypt on February 17, with the attendance of UNRWA Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, and representatives of over 35 participating countries and organisations.
Egypt’s FM praised the United States for its contribution to achieving the ceasefire agreement and emphasised its crucial role in upholding the agreement’s sustainability and overseeing its implementation across all three stages.
Abdel Atty emphasised Egypt’s opposition to displacing Palestinians from their land, a stance backed by the Arab world and the international community, as violates international law and UN resolutions, leading to regional instability.
He highlighted the urgent need for a recovery process in Gaza to address the severe humanitarian crisis. It is crucial to ensure that Palestinians can stay on their land while Gaza is reconstructed within a defined and timely schedule.
Furthermore, he highlighted Egypt’s multi-stage vision for early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza, emphasising the importance of supporting UNRWA due to the humanitarian crisis in the occupied Palestinian territories.
He stressed Egypt’s adherence to rejecting any alternative for UNRWA and condemned the Israeli Knesset’s approval of two recent laws that aim to hinder its operations. He reiterated that Israel, as an occupying power, must adhere to its responsibilities under the United Nations Charter and international law.
Lazzarini thanked Egypt for its support in maintaining the ceasefire and implementing the agreement. He emphasised the agency’s crucial role in providing services to Palestinians, highlighted obstacles from Israeli authorities, and stressed the need for food aid and collective action to address urgent humanitarian needs.
Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
Subediting: M. S. Salama