CAIRO, December 2, 2024 (WAFA) - Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, condemned the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which continues to worsen daily due to ongoing Israeli military operations.

He condemned Israel's crimes and policies of collective punishment, including the use of starvation and blockades against innocent Palestinians, and its ongoing violations of international law.

Abdelatty made these remarks during a joint press conference with UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, which was held on the sidelines of the Cairo Ministerial Conference. The conference was held under the auspices of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to address enhancing humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

Abdelatty emphasized that Egypt took the initiative to convene the conference to draw continued attention to Gaza's dire humanitarian crisis. He highlighted the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid access and concentrated efforts on early recovery, laying the groundwork for Gaza's reconstruction once the aggression ends.

He called on all countries and organizations participating in the Cairo Ministerial Conference to announce their contributions and mobilize the resources needed to ensure sufficient humanitarian aid reaches Gaza.

He also urged all countries and organizations participating in the conference to recognize the State of Palestine and support its full membership in the United Nations, stressing that this is essential for achieving a fair and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian issue​.

The Egyptian minister emphasized the urgent need for Israel to immediately and fully withdraw from the Rafah crossing, insisting that control of the crossing be handed over to the Palestinian Authority. He further called for Israel’s complete withdrawal from Gaza to facilitate the resumption of humanitarian access through the crossing, stressing that Egypt considers any attempt to forcibly displace Palestinians as a "red line."

For her part, UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, highlighted the immense suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza, emphasizing the thousands of victims and displaced individuals, along with the severe food insecurity exacerbated by the ongoing Israeli blockade.

She stressed the urgent need for humanitarian aid to reach all areas of Gaza, noting that over a million people are living under dire conditions without access to basic necessities.

She also pointed out Israel's violations against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), reiterating the importance of achieving a two-state solution to ensure lasting peace and security in the region.

T.R.