Egypt asserted that achieving a sustainable settlement to the conflict in the Middle East depends on handling its root causes through a comprehensive and just resolution of the Palestinian Cause.
This should ensure the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem (Al Quds) as its capital, while mobilizing the international community to implement the two-state solution as the most viable path to lasting peace, Egyptian Ambassador to the European Union and Belgium Ahmed Abu Zeid said at the ministerial meeting of the Palestine Donors Group (PDG), representing Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty.
The meeting was organized by the EU in cooperation with the Palestinian National Authority and attended by the Palestinian prime minister, the European commissioner for the Mediterranean, a number of foreign ministers from EU member states and donor countries, the high representative of the Peace Council and the head of the National Committee for Gaza Administration (NCAG).
Discussions focused on reviewing progress made in implementing the Palestinian Authority’s reform agenda, as well as exploring ways to carry out the Gaza Peace Plan. This included efforts to consolidate the ceasefire, immediately launch early recovery projects in the Gaza Strip and restore essential services for the Palestinian people in Gaza.
The meeting also witnessed the launch of a new EU initiative to implement a number of early recovery projects in the Gaza Strip with the participation of international donors.
Participants stressed the importance of supporting and empowering the Palestinian Authority to assume its duties and responsibilities toward the Palestinian people in Gaza after the NCAG completes its transitional responsibilities in the Strip.
Abu Zeid reviewed Egypt’s ongoing efforts to follow up on the implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan at all stages.
He also reaffirmed Egypt’s support for the EU initiative aimed at implementing early recovery projects, emphasizing the urgent need to restore essential services in Gaza without any restrictions.
He warned that the suffering of the people of Gaza cannot withstand further delays and should not remain hostage to political conditions.
