Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr. Badr Abdelatty, emphasized the importance of advancing the recognition of a Palestinian state and implementing the two-state solution to fulfill the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, foremost among them the establishment of an independent state.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates stated in a Sunday press release that Abdelatty made these remarks during a meeting with a delegation from The Elders, a group founded by the late South African leader Nelson Mandela to promote global peace.

The statement noted that discussions addressed the deteriorating conditions and humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip due to the Israeli occupation’s brutal aggression, which has persisted for over a year and a half, including the use of starvation as a weapon of war.

Abdelatty highlighted Israel’s attempts to entrench its illegal occupation of Palestinian territories, continue its genocidal war against the Palestinian people, and undermine their inalienable right to self-determination—a blatant violation of international law and international humanitarian law.

He reaffirmed Egypt’s firm rejection of any forced displacement of Palestinians and attempts to liquidate the Palestinian cause, stressing that there can be no security or stability in the region without the realization of a Palestinian state.

The minister also reviewed Egypt’s efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, confirming his country’s intention to host an international conference for early recovery and reconstruction in the Strip as soon as a truce agreement is reached.

The Elders’ delegation included former Irish President Mary Robinson and former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark.