Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Egypt Independent
Published on 2024-03-25 13:19:53
During a meeting with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi emphasized the need for the Security Council to take action to end the conflict in Gaza. President Sisi expressed his concern over countries withdrawing their support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which he described as a form of collective punishment that affects innocent Palestinians.
The meeting took place at the al-Ittihadeya Presidential Palace and was attended by several officials including Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Head of Egyptian General Intelligence Major General Abbas Kamel, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Egypt Elena Panova. President Sisi commended the Secretary-General for his efforts to uphold international and humanitarian laws and his advocacy for a ceasefire to protect civilians.
President Sisi highlighted the intensified efforts being made by Egypt to reach a ceasefire in Gaza, including facilitating the exchange of detainees and providing humanitarian aid through land deliveries in coordination with UN agencies or through airdrops, particularly in the northern areas of the Gaza Strip. Guterres expressed his appreciation for Egypt’s role as a stabilizing force in the region and praised its efforts to push for peace in Gaza, including keeping the Rafah land port open throughout the crisis.
During a joint press conference, Foreign Minister Shoukry emphasized the important role of the UN in alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people, citing the contributions of agencies like UNRWA and the World Food Program. He also noted that Arab countries are working towards the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, referring to the Arab Peace Initiative as a comprehensive approach to addressing the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Shoukry highlighted the need to prevent the displacement of Palestinians and to empower the Palestinian Authority to govern both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Discussions with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken also touched on these issues, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in resolving the ongoing crisis.
Overall, the meeting between President Sisi and Secretary-General Guterres underscored the importance of international collaboration in addressing the conflict in Gaza and providing assistance to the Palestinian people. Egypt’s efforts to facilitate a ceasefire, deliver humanitarian aid, and promote stability in the region were recognized and praised by the UN, highlighting the crucial role that Egypt plays in the pursuit of peace and security in the Middle East.
Read Original article on Egypt Independent
