Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher in New York on Sunday, 20 September 2026. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. They discussed the humanitarian situations in Gaza and Sudan, two regions facing severe crises.
Minister Abdelatty stressed the need for full and unhindered access for humanitarian aid to Gaza, protection of civilians, and support for early recovery and reconstruction efforts. The Gaza Strip has been in a severe humanitarian crisis due to the Israeli war, with civilians, including women and children, facing continued attacks, displacement, and shortages of essential aid and services.
Abdelatty also called for unrestricted humanitarian access to Sudan and protection of civilians affected by the conflict. Sudan's war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces has caused mass displacement, food insecurity, and widespread humanitarian needs. The minister reaffirmed Egypt's support for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and its role in responding to humanitarian crises.
Fletcher praised Egypt's role in supporting humanitarian and relief efforts in the region and its cooperation with the UN to facilitate the delivery of aid to people affected by crises. Egypt has been actively involved in providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by conflicts in the region.
The meeting between Abdelatty and Fletcher came days after the Egyptian Foreign Minister held talks with World Food Programme Acting Executive Director Carl Skau in Cairo on strengthening cooperation on food security and responding to humanitarian needs in Gaza and Sudan. This highlights Egypt's commitment to addressing the humanitarian needs in these regions.
The humanitarian crises in Gaza and Sudan require immediate attention and support from the international community. Egypt's efforts to coordinate with the UN and other international organizations to address these crises are crucial in easing civilian suffering. The situation in both regions remains dire, with civilians bearing the brunt of the conflicts.
The discussions between Abdelatty and Fletcher reflect the ongoing efforts of the international community to address the humanitarian crises in Gaza and Sudan. Egypt's role in supporting humanitarian efforts and its cooperation with the UN are essential in responding to these crises and providing assistance to those affected.
Key points
- Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with UN Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher to discuss humanitarian situations in Gaza and Sudan.
- The humanitarian crises in Gaza and Sudan require immediate attention and support from the international community.
- Egypt reaffirmed its support for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and its role in responding to humanitarian crises.
