Egypt reiterates support for UNRWA amid Gaza humanitarian crisis

Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Co-operation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty and UNRWA Acting Commissioner-General Christian Saunders held talks on Monday on the sidelines of the 166th regular session of the Arab League Council at ministerial level in Cairo.

The two officials discussed humanitarian developments in the occupied Palestinian territories, the challenges facing the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and ways to support the agency and enable it to fulfil its UN mandate.

Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s full support for UNRWA, stressing its indispensable role in providing essential services to Palestinian refugees and the need for political and financial support to sustain its operations across its five areas of operation.

He also condemned ongoing Israeli attacks and violations against UNRWA facilities, including the Israeli forces’ raid on and seizure of the agency’s Qalandia Training Centre in occupied East Jerusalem on 25 August.

Abdelatty stressed the need to respect the sanctity of UN premises, protect their personnel, and reject attempts to undermine UNRWA’s role or mandate.

Regarding Gaza, Abdelatty stressed the need to ensure full, safe and sustained access for humanitarian aid without obstruction, while intensifying international efforts to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians.