Monday, 25 May 2026
At UN summit, Egypt reaffirms support for Palestinian statehood, ceasefire in Gaza
New York – Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Badr Abdel Aaty, met today with Palestinian Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Mustafa on the sidelines of the High-Level International Conference on a Peaceful Settlement of the Palestinian Issue and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, held at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
During the meeting, Dr. Abdel Aaty reaffirmed Egypt’s ongoing efforts to mediate a ceasefire and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, highlighting the urgent need to address the humanitarian catastrophe facing the people of Gaza. He asserted that Egypt firmly rejects any proposals involving the forced displacement of Palestinians as a solution to the crisis.
The two leaders discussed the next steps for implementing early recovery and reconstruction plans in Gaza, following a ceasefire, including preparations for an upcoming conference in Egypt focused on reconstruction efforts. They also addressed recent developments in the West Bank, with Dr. Abdel Aaty condemning continued Israeli military incursions, repeated violations, and the expansion of settlements.
The meeting also considered the consequences of Israeli measures to close schools and hospitals operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem. Dr. Abdel Aaty stressed Egypt’s unwavering support for UNRWA’s essential role, describing it as irreplaceable.
Minister Abdel Aaty expressed hope that the momentum generated by the conference would lead to increased international recognition of the State of Palestine. He welcomed the recent announcement by French President Emmanuel Macron expressing France’s intention to recognize the State of Palestine, and underscored Egypt’s full support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, especially their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state along the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.