Egypt, Palestine urge Gaza-West Bank territorial unity amid Israeli expansion

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Palestinian Vice President Hussein Al-Sheikh emphasized the critical need to maintain the territorial integrity of the Palestinian territories in Gaza and the West Bank. During a Sunday phone call, they stressed enabling the Palestinian Authority to resume its responsibilities.

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the importance of preserving the territorial unity of the Palestinian territories in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank and enabling the Palestinian Authority to assume its responsibilities.

The conversation occurred amidst escalating tensions, with reports indicating Israeli forces have expanded their control over more than half of Gaza. Abdelatty voiced strong condemnation of Israel's continued settlement activities, particularly in the "E1" area. He warned that this expansion poses a significant threat, aiming to divide the West Bank, isolate East Jerusalem, and ultimately jeopardize the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

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Egypt’s categorical rejection of the settlement project in the “E1” area, warning that it threatens to divide the West Bank, encircle and isolate East Jerusalem, and undermine prospects for establishing an independent Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Discussions also touched upon ongoing efforts to advance former U.S. President Donald Trump's peace plan. This includes facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and empowering the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza to begin its work within the Strip. Al-Sheikh acknowledged and praised Egypt's steadfast support for the Palestinian cause and its efforts to secure the Palestinian people's rights, affirming continued coordination between the two sides.

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Egypt’s support for the Palestinian cause and its efforts to uphold the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, stressing the continuation of coordination and consultations during the coming period.