Egypt stresses the importance of empowering the Palestinian Authority to assume its responsibilities in Gaza and the West Bank
Cairo, Aug 22 (KUNA) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdel Ati reaffirmed today, Saturday, his country’s full support for the Palestinian Authority and its national institutions, emphasizing the importance of empowering it to assume its responsibilities in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a press release that this position was conveyed during a telephone conversation between Foreign Minister Abdel Ati and Palestinian Prime Minister Dr. Mohammed Mustafa, as part of continuous consultation and coordination regarding recent developments in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The statement clarified that the call addressed developments in the Gaza Strip and the Egyptian efforts, in coordination with mediators, to advance the implementation of the road map and the requirements of the US president’s peace plan. These efforts include the withdrawal of the Israeli occupation from the Strip, ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid, initiating early recovery and reconstruction, the entry of the National Administration for Gaza into the Strip, and the deployment of an international stability force, all of which contribute to consolidating stability and creating conditions for a just and comprehensive political solution.
The two sides also discussed the serious developments in the West Bank, where Abdel Ati condemned illegal settlement expansion, the escalating violence by settlers, and attacks against Palestinians and their property. He warned of the dangers posed by the “E1” settlement project, which threatens the geographical contiguity of Palestinian lands and isolates East Jerusalem from its Palestinian surroundings.
In this regard, the Egyptian foreign minister reiterated his country’s firm rejection of any attempts to annex Palestinian territories, displace Palestinians, or alter the legal and demographic status of the occupied lands, which would entrench a policy of fait accompli and undermine the prospects for establishing a Palestinian state.
For his part, the Palestinian prime minister expressed, according to the statement, his appreciation for Egypt’s steadfast and supportive role regarding the Palestinian cause, and for the efforts undertaken by Egypt to support the Palestinian Authority and its national institutions, as well as to defend the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. He affirmed his commitment to continuing close coordination and consultation with Egypt regarding various developments in the coming period. (End) A.S.M. / A.B.K.
