FM: Just, durable, all-out solution to Palestinian cause sole path for realising ME peace, stability

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri has stressed that there is no way to realise peace, security and stability in the Middle East other than achieving a just, durable and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause on the basis of the decisions of international legitimacy.

Speaking to the 8th Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) that kick-started in Barcelona on Monday, Minister Shoukri reiterated that Egypt has together with Arab member-states of the UfM cautioned against keeping international action confined to managing the conflict rather than seeking to achieve a settlement of the Palestinian cause, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid said.

Minister Shoukri highlighted the categorical rejection of Israel’s policies that aim to forcibly displace Palestinians outside their lands through creating new conditions that make Gaza Strip unlivable.

Foreign ministers of the UfM’s member-states took part in the Barcelona meeting which was called to discuss the critical situation in Gaza and its consequences on the region.

The event was co-chaired by the European Union’s High Representative of Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, and Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ayman Safadi.

The forum took place as the Arab-Islamic ministerial committee was in Barcelona to confer with Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares. The committee’s delegation to Barcelona comprised the foreign ministers of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Palestine and Türkiye and the Arab League Secretary-General.

During the delegation’s meeting with the Spanish foreign minister, the Egyptian foreign minister expressed thanks to Spain for its position that historically supports the Palestinian cause and its adherence to international principles, Spokesman Abu Zeid said.

He noted that the volume of aid entering the Gaza Strip, even during the current temporary truce, is inadequate due to the obstacles imposed by Israel on the process of bringing aid into Gaza.

This situation, Minister Shoukri added, which he said prompted the Arab and Islamic groups to submit a draft resolution before the UN Security Council to address this existing defect in the system of bringing humanitarian aid into Gaza.