Egypt urges EU to increase humanitarian aid to war-ravaged Gaza

Ahram Online , Monday 3 Feb 2025

Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has urged the European Union (EU) to sustain its support for the war-ravaged Gaza Strip and increase humanitarian aid delivered there.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty (L), EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Securit
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty (L), EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas (R). Photo: Egyptian Foreign Ministry

 

Minister Abdelatty called for accelerating the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza to meet the Palestinian people’s needs amid the catastrophic humanitarian conditions they are facing.

He made his remarks during a phone call on Monday with Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Abdelatty told Kallas that the EU support should involve early recovery and reconstruction schemes to ensure that the Palestinian people remain on their land and respect their right to self-determination, according to a statement by the foreign ministry.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian FM briefed the EU top diplomat on the latest developments regarding the implementation of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, which took into effect on 19 January following the 15-month-long Israeli war.

He underscored the necessity of solidifying the truce and enforcing its three phases.

The agreement, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, followed over a year of on-off, indirect negotiations.

Billions of dollars are estimated to rebuild Gaza after the Israeli war, which levelled the strip infrastructure.

Gaza reconstruction is estimated to cost billions of dollars as the Israeli war has devastated most of its infrastructure.

Abdelatty also stressed the EU's vital role in the upcoming phase, particularly as the EU is the largest donor to the Palestinian National Authority.

He reviewed Egypt's persistent efforts to achieve regional security and stability despite significant geopolitical challenges, the Egyptian foreign ministry said.

During the call, the top Egyptian diplomat praised the Egypt-EU's strong relations and mutual commitment to implementing a strategic and comprehensive partnership.

He expressed his hope that Kallas would continue supporting this partnership, including disbursing the €4-billion second tranche of the EU's financial package to Egypt.

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