The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement today, Wednesday, that this European decision reflects the European Union's support for the Palestinian Authority and the empowerment of its institutions. It contributes to achieving the aspirations of the Palestinian people and meeting their legitimate needs in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Egypt affirmed that the European Union's position embodies
an understanding of the necessity of supporting the Palestinian people at this
critical stage in their struggle, and working towards finding a just and
lasting settlement to the Palestinian issue based on the two-state solution.
Egypt also welcomes the amount allocated to support Palestinian refugees
through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in
the Near East (UNRWA), which is €82 million, especially since the agency's role
cannot be replaced or dispensed with in providing basic services and
humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its aspiration for the European Union to continue its support for the Palestinian Authority and to participate effectively and constructively in the Early Recovery and Reconstruction Conference in Gaza, which Egypt is scheduled to host in cooperation with the United Nations and the Palestinian government.