At a high-level international conference held at the United Nations headquarters in New York on July 28, Egypt’s Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Expatriates Minister Badr Abdelatty delivered a forceful appeal for renewed political efforts aimed at achieving a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. Central to his message was the urgent call to implement the two-state solution and end the Israeli occupation of Arab territories.
Abdelatty emphasised that Israel must be compelled to withdraw from all territories occupied since June 4, 1967, and to halt all unilateral actions, especially the expansion of settlements. He called for the full implementation of key UN Security Council resolutions including 242, 252, 267, 446, and 2334. “Recognition of Palestine is an inalienable right of the Palestinian people tied to their right to self-determination,” he declared.
The minister highlighted the urgent need to cease Israel’s ongoing aggression in Gaza, secure a ceasefire, and facilitate a hostage and prisoner exchange. He urged unrestricted humanitarian access and robust support for UN agencies, including UNRWA, to fully carry out their mandates in the territory. Abdelatty also advocated for the Palestinian Authority’s return to Gaza to ensure territorial unity.
Describing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as catastrophic, Abdelatty detailed the daily violations committed by Israeli forces and stressed the necessity for coordinated international action to address the root causes of the conflict. “Reviving the two-state solution remains the only viable path to ending the conflict and achieving regional security,” he said.
Representing Egypt as co-chair alongside the United Kingdom of the UN’s fifth working group on humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Gaza, Abdelatty outlined Egypt’s commitment to supporting Palestinian resilience within the framework of international law. He warned against official Israeli rhetoric promoting the displacement of Gaza residents and extending sovereignty over the West Bank, actions Egypt “unequivocally rejects” for undermining peace prospects.
Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s leading role in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and its support for UNRWA operations. He announced plans to collaborate with international partners to host a conference on Gaza’s early recovery and reconstruction once a ceasefire is achieved, in line with the Arab-Islamic plan.
Additionally, Egypt continues to provide security training for Palestinian Authority forces in Gaza and the West Bank, a measure aimed at strengthening governance and paving the way for a contiguous Palestinian state.
Egypt’s intervention underscores its pivotal diplomatic role in seeking a peaceful resolution to one of the world’s most enduring and complex conflicts.
About The Author
