Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty called for the release of Palestinian tax revenues withheld by Israel during a meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) in New York. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Abdelatty stressed the importance of preserving the AHLC's role in supporting the Palestinian people and implementing the two-state solution.
The AHLC meeting was convened by Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide. Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt's full support for the Palestinian Authority and its reform efforts. He emphasized the need to empower the Palestinian Authority to set its own priorities and strengthen its ability to provide services to Palestinians. Egypt's support aims to help the Palestinian Authority become more self-sufficient.
Abdelatty welcomed the Palestinian Authority's announcement of legislative elections in November. He stressed that these elections should cover all Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip. The elections are expected to help renew the Palestinian Authority's legitimacy and institutions, strengthening Palestinian unity. Abdelatty also called for resuming national reconciliation efforts and ending the Palestinian political divide.
Israel has been withholding over $6 billion in Palestinian tax revenues, according to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Abdelatty called for concrete steps to support the Palestinian economy, including the release of these tax revenues. He also emphasized the importance of improving humanitarian conditions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and facilitating the movement of people and trade between Palestinian territories.
Abdelatty reiterated Egypt's commitment to providing various forms of support to the Palestinian people and upholding their legitimate rights. He stressed that enabling Palestinians to access their resources and assets is essential to strengthening their resilience and attachment to their land. This support is crucial in countering attempts to displace Palestinians.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry stated that Abdelatty's call for the release of Palestinian tax revenues is a key step towards supporting the Palestinian economy. The Ministry emphasized Egypt's role in promoting international efforts to implement the two-state solution and establish an independent Palestinian state. Egypt's efforts aim to help achieve a lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Abdelatty's statements reflect Egypt's ongoing commitment to supporting the Palestinian people. His calls for the release of Palestinian tax revenues and improved humanitarian conditions in Palestinian territories highlight Egypt's efforts to address the challenges facing Palestinians. The international community is expected to take concrete steps to support the Palestinian economy and promote a lasting resolution to the conflict.
Key points
- Egypt's Foreign Minister calls for the release of over $6 billion in Palestinian tax revenues withheld by Israel.
- Abdelatty stresses the importance of preserving the AHLC's role in supporting the Palestinian people.
- Egypt reaffirms its full support for the Palestinian Authority and its reform efforts.
