Egypt & Norway Collaborate on Urgent Humanitarian Aid Access to Gaza

On Saturday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry received a  phone call from Norway's Foreign Minister, Espen Barth Eide, addressing the increasingly dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

The conversation was marked by a comprehensive discussion on the urgent need to fully implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 2720.

This resolution aims to streamline, coordinate, and closely monitor the entry of vital humanitarian assistance into Gaza. Both ministers affirmed their unwavering commitment to providing support, reducing logistical obstacles, and rallying international support to ensure unhindered access to humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people.

Within this context, the ministers discussed the pivotal role of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC), responsible for coordinating international aid efforts for the Palestinian population. Egypt and Norway, both members of this committee, reached a consensus on the pressing need to enhance coordination and cooperation between the two nations. Their shared objective is to garner increased international humanitarian support for Gaza.

Minister Shoukry reiterated Egypt's steadfast commitment, dating back to the onset of the crisis, to engage in persistent political and diplomatic efforts alongside key international stakeholders. The goal is to remove the obstacles imposed by Israeli authorities on the entry of essential aid. He emphasized the critical importance of unswerving political support from the global community for the United Nations' foremost humanitarian coordinators. This backing is instrumental in expediting the delivery of essential aid shipments to Gaza, by the Security Council resolution.

Furthermore, the ministers agreed to continue their ongoing consultations and coordination in the upcoming period. They aim to strengthen efforts aimed at containing the crisis and mitigating its severe humanitarian impact on the Palestinian population in Gaza and the West Bank.

The Gaza Strip has grappled with a severe humanitarian crisis for years, compounded by ongoing conflict and stringent restrictions on the movement of goods and people. United Nations Security Council Resolution 2720, adopted in 2021, represents a beacon of hope. It seeks to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza by streamlining the entry of essential humanitarian aid and reconstruction materials into the region.