Cairo Conference calls for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza

CAIRO - 3 December 2024: The Cairo Ministerial Conference for Emergency Humanitarian Response to Gaza concluded with a firm stance on increasing humanitarian aid and ensuring safe and unobstructed access for its distribution across the Gaza Strip. The conference highlighted the critical need for immediate aid and the establishment of conditions to enable effective delivery to civilians in need.

Hosted under the auspices of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and attended by representatives from numerous countries, international organizations, and humanitarian agencies, the conference underscored the pivotal role of the United Nations and its specialized agencies. It recognized their heroic efforts in supporting Gaza, particularly during its ongoing crisis.

The final statement emphasized the importance of early recovery efforts, laying the foundation for long-term reconstruction initiatives led by the Palestinian government with support from the UN and international community.

Additionally, it stressed the indispensable role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in providing life-saving supplies and essential services. Calls were made for adequate funding and support to maintain its critical operations.

Delegates expressed condolences for lives lost during the ongoing conflict and reiterated the need for mechanisms to ensure the safety and mobility of humanitarian workers in Gaza. They voiced deep concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation, noting that Gaza lacks safe zones. Violations of international humanitarian law and UN Security Council resolutions were condemned, with calls for adequate humanitarian access and a sustainable ceasefire.

The statement reaffirmed Egypt’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate struggle for inalienable rights, including self-determination and the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Egypt also called on Israel to respect its obligations under international law as the occupying power and vowed to continue efforts toward a lasting ceasefire and the release of detainees.

On the conference sidelines, Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdel Aty held consultations with ministers and representatives from Palestine, Iraq, Jordan, Bahrain, Lebanon, Qatar, the UAE, Tunisia, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman.

Discussions focused on regional developments, particularly the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and efforts to de-escalate tensions and restore calm through a comprehensive ceasefire.

The meeting also addressed broader regional issues, including the situation in Lebanon and Syria. Delegates expressed hope that the ceasefire in Lebanon could pave the way for stability and emphasized the importance of continued coordination to address regional challenges and uphold regional security and peace.