Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly delivered on Wednesday Egypt’s statement at a summit on Palestine and the two-state solution.
The summit was co-chaired by the UK, France and Canada, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
Madbouly is representing President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi at the session.
He opened his speech by thanking the three countries for hosting the meeting at an important time.
Madbouly outlined Egypt’s position on the Palestinian issue and peace in the Middle East. He stressed that peace in the region can only be achieved through a political settlement.
Such a settlement must end the occupation and lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 borders. East Jerusalem should be its capital, he said.
Madbouly said the foundations of the two-state solution face unprecedented challenges.
He pointed to Israeli settlement expansion and land seizures, as well as rising settler violence in the West Bank.
He also cited attempts to change the historical and legal status of East Jerusalem.
He noted the continued Israeli control over large areas of Gaza and restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid.
Madbouly welcomed steps taken by the UK, France, Canada and other countries against illegal settlement activities in the occupied territories.
He stressed the need for practical measures to prevent annexation, settlement expansion and the displacement of Palestinians.
Madbouly also affirmed the need to support the Palestinian Authority, noting that it must retain its ability to carry out its responsibilities.
He called for restoring its role in Gaza while preserving the unity of Palestinian territory and institutions.
Madbouly also stressed the need to fully implement US President Donald Trump’s plan and UN Security Council Resolution 2803 simultaneously. This should include respecting the ceasefire, facilitating humanitarian aid and ensuring an Israeli withdrawal. It should also include restricting weapons, deploying an international stabilization force and enabling the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.
He said reconstruction efforts must also begin.
Madbouly reiterated Egypt’s categorical rejection of any annexation of Palestinian territory or displacement of the Palestinian people.
