Cairo: Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, expressed deep concern on Saturday regarding Israel’s ongoing attacks on humanitarian workers, as well as its targeting of UN and relief organizations in the Gaza Strip. This statement was made during a telephone call between Abdelatty and Sigrid Kaag, the United Nations Senior Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs and Reconstruction in the Gaza Strip.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the conversation was part of ongoing coordination and consultations aimed at addressing the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, ensuring the safe and sustainable delivery of aid to Palestinian civilians, and restoring peace. During the call, Abdelatty condemned Israel’s recent decision to close six United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) schools, describing it as a blatant violation of international law.

He underscored the vital role UNRWA plays in providing essential services to Palestinian refugees, stressing that such actions undermine international efforts to alleviate suffering. The Foreign Minister also called for increased international and UN support for Palestinians in Gaza, particularly as the region faces escalating challenges.

Abdelatty highlighted the Arab-Islamic plan for the reconstruction of Gaza, prepared by Egypt, and the upcoming early recovery and reconstruction conference, which Cairo is set to host in cooperation with the United Nations and the Palestinian government. He urged the international community to mobilize all available resources to help restore essential services in Gaza, facilitate early recovery efforts, and rehabilitate damaged infrastructure.

Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of preventing any attempts to forcibly displace the Palestinian population. Abdelatty also outlined Egypt’s vision for the success of the upcoming conference and its related workshops, with a particular focus on the role of the private sector and sustainable development initiatives.