Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri met with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet to discuss the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.
The meeting came amid a one-month-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which left more than 10,000 Palestinians dead, including over 4,800 children.
“This is a stark demonstration of the double standards some international parties in response to armed conflicts in different regions,” Shoukri said.
Shoukri told Bachelet that the international community must take action to stop the Israeli attacks and provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
“The international community must fulfill its legal, humanitarian, and political responsibilities to end this catastrophe and work towards a genuine ceasefire as soon as possible.”
Shoukri said all is shocked at seeing the humanitarian crisis resulting from the continued Israeli bombardment of civilian infrastructure and policies of collective punishment.
Shoukri explained Egypt’s efforts and the results of political contacts with regional and international partners, as well as relief agencies, to push for a ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
He underscored the importance of coordinated efforts from various parties to ensure sustainable access to humanitarian aid and remove intentional obstacles imposed by Israel. Importantly, he highlighted that the provision of aid should not prevent some international parties from supporting an immediate ceasefire.
On his part, the UN official commended Egypt’s efforts in containing the repercussions of the crisis and working towards its resolution. He also expressed gratitude to the Egyptian government for facilitating his mission in Egypt and allowing him to visit the Rafah Border Crossing. He stressed the importance of continued coordination in addressing the humanitarian crisis faced by civilians in Gaza.
Shoukri underscored firm commitment to defending the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to establish a viable, independent state with and East Jerusalem as its capital. He noted that Egypt remains resolute in its pursuit of these goals.
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