Egypt Reaffirms Support for UNRWA, Rejects Displacement of Palestinians

Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and its mandate to provide essential services to Palestinian refugees during talks with UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini’s Deputy Commissioner-General, Natalie Boucly Saunders, according to the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

Abdelatty described UNRWA’s role as indispensable in supporting Palestinian refugees and stressed Egypt’s commitment to preserving the agency’s mandate amid mounting humanitarian challenges.

The foreign minister also reiterated Egypt’s firm rejection of any attempts to displace Palestinians from their land, emphasizing Cairo’s longstanding position in support of Palestinian rights and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

During the meeting, Abdelatty criticized Israeli measures that have affected UNRWA’s operations, particularly restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid and relief supplies into the Gaza Strip. He said such measures undermine the agency’s ability to fulfill its humanitarian responsibilities and provide assistance to civilians in need.

The discussions addressed the future of UNRWA’s operations and the challenges facing the agency across its areas of operation, with particular focus on Gaza, where humanitarian conditions have continued to deteriorate amid the ongoing conflict.

Saunders briefed Abdelatty on ongoing efforts to implement institutional reforms within UNRWA and strengthen its developmental programs while maintaining its humanitarian and relief activities.

The agency continues to provide education, healthcare, social services, and emergency assistance to millions of Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.

UNRWA has repeatedly warned that funding shortfalls and operational restrictions are hampering its ability to respond to growing humanitarian needs, especially in Gaza, where demand for assistance has surged since the outbreak of the war in October 2023.

Egypt has consistently called for increased humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip and has stressed the importance of supporting international relief agencies operating in the Palestinian territories.