New york: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty has stressed that the top priority is to achieve a ceasefire and end the Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip, noting that no other steps can be taken without a ceasefire.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the top diplomat's statements came in response to a question on Egypt and the Arab-Islamic group's priorities on Gaza during the UN General Assembly meetings in New York. During his press conference held Saturday with Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA, Abdelatty said: 'We cannot talk about launching a political process, releasing hostages, early recovery, or reconstruction without a ceasefire.'
Foreign Minister Abdelatty stressed that the highest priority is to work towards a deal based on the proposal by US envoy Steve Witkoff, which suggests a 60-day temporary ceasefire, during which a group of hostages and remains would be released. He explained that the 60-day period would lay the foundation for negotiating a final, comprehensive deal with the ultimate aim to end all military operations and Israeli aggression. Only then, he said, early recovery, reconstruction, and a political horizon for a Palestinian state could be pursued.
The minister outlined a comprehensive plan supported by the Arab-Islamic summit and the international community, consisting of three main pillars; namely security arrangements, governance and administration, and early recovery and reconstruction. He stressed that this vision has international consensus, and if Israel shows political will by accepting Witkoff's proposal, the implementation of the Arab-Islamic plan can begin immediately.
He said that security arrangements are clear and will focus on ensuring the empowerment and deployment of the Palestinian police, noting that there is no objection to the future deployment of international forces, if requested by the Palestinian side. As for governance, the minister explained that a 15-member technocratic committee from Gaza would manage the Strip for six months. Then, the administration of the enclave would be handed over to the Palestinian Authority in preparation for a political horizon.
In response to a question about Egypt's efforts to deliver humanitarian aid and the international community's silence on Israel's use of starvation as a weapon, Commissioner-General of UNRWA Lazzarini said "I don't think the international community is silent. There's a lot of coordination and communication - but what is shocking is the lack of action." He said the situation is unbearable, as experts from the UNRWA confirm that famine is a reality in the enclave.
He explained that during a previous ceasefire, many relief centers were operational, but the situation has since worsened; people now walk long distances under the sun just to get food. 'The UNRWA has expertise and resources,' he said, 'but we are waiting for the conditions to implement them.' Lazzarini described the situation as deeply frustrating, adding that the UNRWA cannot influence political decisions, while there is a need for better humanitarian access since the famine is man-made and can be ended, but that requires will.
For his part, Foreign Minister Abdelatty commented that: 'the issue lies with the other side of the Rafah crossing, where there is ongoing destruction and blockage of aid trucks from entering.' On the UNRWA's legal action regarding the targeting of its staff and operations, Lazzarini said the agency operates under extreme conditions, including financial constraints, attacks, and political pressure, so member states must decide how to protect the agency.
He explained that internal assessments aim to prompt international discussions about safeguarding the UNRWA's role. Lazzarini noted that the UNRWA is at risk of collapse since the body provides services and goods but lacks financial tools like typical public institutions, stressing that the agency should be seen as a key asset for any future solution to the Palestinian cause. He said focus on human development is needed and the agency should play a role in building future Palestinian institutions.
He said the UNRWA's mandate is up for renewal this year, which he hopes will reaffirm international support. 90% of UNRWA's facilities in Gaza have been completely destroyed, he said, voicing confidence that an investigation will eventually be launched into the destruction of assets and deaths of staff. For his part, Abdelatty reaffirmed that Egypt's stance on the Rafah Crossing is clear - as a crossing for the entry of people and aid, and it will not be used to displace Palestinians from their land, noting that Cairo's position aligns with justice, legitimacy, and international law.
The minister said there are five other crossings, and if Israel wants to defy the international community, it must assume its legal and humanitarian responsibilities. Foreign Minister Abdelatty reaffirmed that displacement is a red line for Egypt, Jordan, and all Arab countries, under any circumstances. He reiterated that Egyptian-Qatari efforts are ongoing in coordination with the United States, citing his phone call with US Envoy Steve Witkoff.
'Famine is a man-made tool being used to push Palestinians into displacement,' Abdelatty said, asserting that 'the Palestinian presence on their land is legal, humanitarian, and moral - they cannot be forcibly pushed to leave their homeland.'