Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reaffirmed his country’s full support for the Palestinian Authority, describing it as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people during a phone call with Palestinian Foreign Minister and newly elected Secretary of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), Azzam al-Ahmad.

In the call, Abdelatty emphasized that Egypt stands firmly with “the brotherly Palestinian people” at what he described as a historic and sensitive juncture.

He extended congratulations to al-Ahmad on his unanimous election as the Executive Committee's Secretary during its latest session, expressing sincere wishes for success in fulfilling the responsibilities of his new role in a manner that advances the aspirations of the Palestinian people.

For his part, al-Ahmad conveyed his deep appreciation for Egypt’s continued support of the Palestinian struggle for legitimate rights and Cairo’s sustained efforts to revive the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave.

Egypt, Palestine discuss ceasefire talks

Similarly, last month, Abdelatty discussed the latest developments and Cairo's efforts to revive the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, as well as ongoing negotiations to initiate its second phase, during a meeting with his then-Palestinian counterpart, Mohammad Mustafa. 

According to Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tamim Khallaf, Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s firm rejection of the forced displacement of Palestinians, emphasizing the importance of preserving their inalienable rights.

He also stressed the need to work toward creating the necessary political sphere for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with the Eastern part of al-Quds as its capital.

The meeting, which was held on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, also addressed the latest regional developments, ongoing efforts to support the Arab-Islamic plan for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip in coordination with international stakeholders, and preparations for the reconstruction conference that Egypt will host in cooperation with the Palestinian Authority and the United Nations.

Focus on prisoner exchange, humanitarian crisis

In a statement following the talks, Hamas emphasized the urgency of reaching a ceasefire and the need for international support to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The delegation highlighted the importance of continued diplomatic efforts to achieve a comprehensive agreement that would not only halt the violence but also address critical humanitarian issues.

The statement detailed Hamas’ vision for a lasting peace, which includes a "permanent ceasefire," the exchange of prisoners, and the urgent facilitation of humanitarian relief and reconstruction for the Gaza Strip. The delegation also drew attention to the "dire humanitarian situation" caused by more than two months of a severe blockade, imposed by Israeli occupation forces, which has restricted the entry of essential aid, food, and medical supplies.