Egyptian FM meets with U.S. Special Envoy for Middle East Humanitarian Issues

CAIRO – 31 January 2024: Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shokry received Wednesday U.S. Special Envoy for Middle East Humanitarian Issues David Satterfield to hold detailed talks on the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza Strip, growing daily suffering of Palestinians, and destruction that hit the infrastructure, public services and hospitals.

The U.S. envoy briefed the Egyptian minister on the outcomes of his country's communication with different parties to support the delivery of humanitarian aid in Gaza. The two officials also exchanged assessments of the endeavors aimed at the sustainable delivery of aid in collaboration with UN rescue agencies.

Minister Shokry raised the matter of the decision made by a number of countries to suspend funding to the UNRWA in the middle of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and its repercussions on the agency's capabilities pertinent to providing vital services to Palestinians.

Over Israeli allegations that 11 out of 13,000 employees at the agency's in Gaza were part of the October 7 Attack, the United States, Britain, Germany, Austria, Italy, the Netherlands, Finland, Australia and Canada suspended on Friday funding to the organization that provides basic services to millions of Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.  

In that framework, the minister demanded the United States and the other states that stopped their contributions to repeal the decision as it would worsen the suffering in Gaza, and wait for the results of the investigations carried out by the UNRWA and other UN bodies.   

The minister also demanded all major international players, including the United States, to back the implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution No. 2720 on devising a UN mechanism to facilitate, coordinate and observe the delivery of aid to Gaza Strip. He equally noted that similar measures had been mandated by the International Court of Justice.

On his side, Satterfield valued the pivotal role of Egypt in delivering aid, and the bilateral coordination on the crisis, stressing the U.S. eagerness for continuing consultation and joint work until the aid is sufficiently delivered.