In the press conference held in Cairo, newly appointed Minister Abdelatty stated that Egyptian efforts are ongoing to reach a deal that ensures a ceasefire for the war entering its ninth month and the release of captives in the Gaza Strip.

The foreign minister's statements come as Cairo gears up another round of talks between the Egyptian and US mediators and Israeli officials over a possible truce this week.

Abdelattay also expressed Egypt's appreciation for the role of UNRWA, emphasizing that efforts are being made with all international parties to ensure continued financial support for the agency serving the Palestinian refugees in Gaza and the Mideast.

He added that the UNRWA's work will not end until Palestinian refugees obtain their rights, urging the international community and donor parties to reconsider the issue of funding the agency.

Moreover, FM Abdelattay stated that using famine as a weapon in Gaza undermines the international community's credibility, pointing out that Egypt has provided more than 70 percent of the aid that entered the strip.

He also reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to fully supporting the Palestinians in Gaza.

"There is no alternative to UNRWA in Gaza, as it is the only agency with distribution centres in the strip," Abdelatty stressed, reiterating the necessity of "an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional access of humanitarian and medical aid to Gaza."

During the press conference, Minister Abdelatty extended his condolences on behalf of Egypt to Larrazani over the fallen UNRWA staff members in Gaza.

Furthermore, in response to a question regarding the Gaza reconstruction plan after the war, Larrazani said Gaza has become unsuitable for children due to continuous Israeli bombardment.

He noted that the agency would focus on reinvesting in educational activities and primary healthcare in Gaza if a ceasefire is achieved.

"200 UNRWA staff members have been killed since the start of the Israeli war on Gaza," Lazzarini added, pointing out that the agency's institutions have been targeted by Israeli military operations since the war on Gaza began.

UNRWA is facing a campaign aimed at dismantling and undermining its role in Gaza, he affirmed, highlighting that "250,000 Palestinians have been displaced from Khan Younis this week amid the absence of a safe place in Gaza."

He added that around 500 people were seeking refuge with UNRWA and that half of their facilities were destroyed.

The UNRWA commissioner-general said half of Gaza's population is under the age of 18.

"The war is depriving an entire generation of the right to education after most schools have been destroyed."

He also emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of captives, and the provision of humanitarian aid.

According to the UNRWA numbers, the agency looks after 1.4 million registered refugees (approximately 74 percent) out of the 1.9 million total Gaza population.

On Sudan
 

At the press conference, FM Abdelatty responded in detail to questions on the ongoing conflict in Sudan and the status of Sudanese refugees in Egypt.

"Egypt has always said we are hosting 'guests' not 'refugees' from Sudan," stressed Ambassador Abdelatty, a nod to the deep, historic relations between the two nations.

"Egypt has welcomed a significant number of Sudanese who came to the country despite the economic challenges faced by the country," he said.

"In my meetings with international representatives, I have consistently said that the international community needs to honour its pledges, regarding full support for Sudan and neighbouring countries, especially Egypt."

The Egyptian foreign minister said the $2 billion pledged during the recent International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and Neighbouring Countries in Paris should reach Sudan and its neighbours.

"A significant portion of these funds should be allocated to Sudan's neighbours, who are carrying a heavy burden in terms of the humanitarian and health assistance provided to guests," he argued.

On Saturday, FM Abdelatty said Egypt welcomed hundreds of thousands of Sudanese refugees who arrived in the country since the start of the Sudanese conflict, joining nearly five million Sudanese citizens who have resided in Egypt for years.

This came during his speech at the Sudanese Political and Civil Forces Conference, which was held in Egypt's New Administrative Capital.

The conference was attended by representatives from the Sudanese political and civil society forces, the United Nations, the African Union, the Arab League, the European Union, and other interested parties.

During the event, FM Abdelatty urged an immediate and sustainable cessation of military operations in Sudan to preserve the Sudanese people's resources and state institutions.

He also urged all participants in the conference to prioritize Sudan's national interest while affirming Egypt’s unwavering support for all efforts to restore stability, progress, and prosperity to the country.

Abdelatty praised the stance of Sudan's neighbouring countries who welcomed millions of Sudanese citizens sharing their limited resources despite economic hardships.

He also called on the international community to uphold the commitments made to Sudan and its neighbours at relief conferences held in Geneva 2023 and Paris 2024.