Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Egypt's Foreign Minister meets The Elders to discuss peace efforts in Gaza
Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Expatriate Affairs, Dr. Badr Abdel Atty, welcomed a distinguished delegation from The Elders, an independent group of global leaders founded by Nelson Mandela to promote peace and human rights worldwide.
The delegation included former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, and former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Helen Clark.
The meeting centered on the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, following more than eighteen months of ongoing conflict.
Dr. Abdel Atty expressed deep concern over what he described as the use of starvation as a weapon, continued Israeli military actions, and attempts to entrench an illegal occupation – all of which undermine the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people and contravene international humanitarian law.
The Minister reiterated Egypt's firm rejection of any forced displacement of Palestinians and affirmed the country's commitment to the just cause of the Palestinian people. He outlined Egypt’s persistent efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza and announced plans to host an international conference to support early recovery and reconstruction in the region, once an agreement is reached.
Stressing the importance of broadening international recognition of the State of Palestine and the urgent implementation of a two-state solution, Dr. Abdel Atty emphasized that there can be no security or stability in the region without a sovereign and independent Palestinian state.
The meeting underscored Egypt's vital role as a regional peace broker and highlighted the continued international efforts, led by The Elders and other stakeholders, to seek an end to the humanitarian crisis and restore hope for lasting peace in the Middle East.