RAMALLAH, March 16, 2026 (WAFA) – A phone call took place between Hussein Al-Sheikh, Vice President and Vice Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee, and Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Badr Abdelatty, during which they discussed the latest developments in the occupied Palestinian territories, as well as regional developments in light of the current military escalation.
The Egyptian Foreign Minister reiterated Egypt's unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, expressing Egypt's condemnation of the recent decisions regarding the annexation of parts of the West Bank and the expansion of settlement activities.
He stressed that these measures constitute a clear violation of international law and resolutions of international legitimacy, most notably UN Security Council Resolution 2334, and undermine the prospects for achieving a two-state solution.
He also denounced the continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque to Muslims worshippers, emphasizing Egypt's rejection of any measures that affect the historical and legal status quo of the holy sites in East Jerusalem.
The call addressed developments in the Gaza Strip, with Abdel-Aati emphasizing the importance of expediting the process of enabling the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza to assume its responsibilities from within the Strip. He stressed that this is a crucial step in managing the transitional phase and consolidating the ceasefire, leading to the Palestinian National Authority assuming its full responsibilities in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
He also emphasized the importance of supporting early recovery and reconstruction efforts, as well as improving the humanitarian situation in the Strip.
The call further addressed the escalating military situation in the region, with Abdel-Aati stressing the need to work towards de-escalation and preventing the conflict from spreading. He called for prioritizing diplomatic solutions and strengthening regional and international efforts aimed at containing the situation and maintaining regional peace and security.
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