Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty attended a meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for Assistance to the Palestinian People (AHLC) in New York on September 24, where he emphasized the need for concrete measures to support the Palestinian economy. Abdelatty called for the release of tax revenues owed to the Palestinian Authority, which are currently being held by Israel. He stressed that providing the Palestinian people with access to their resources is essential for strengthening their resilience and ability to resist forced displacement.
The AHLC meeting was convened by Norway and chaired by Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. Abdelatty also urged the international community to improve humanitarian conditions in the West Bank and Gaza, and to facilitate the movement of people and goods between Palestinian territories. Egypt's Foreign Ministry stated that Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights.
Abdelatty highlighted the importance of preserving the role of the AHLC as a key mechanism for supporting the Palestinian people. He also emphasized the need to focus international efforts on achieving a two-state solution, with an independent and viable Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders. Egypt's Foreign Ministry reported that Abdelatty expressed Cairo's full support for the Palestinian Authority and its reform efforts.
The Palestinian Authority has announced plans to hold legislative elections in November, which Abdelatty welcomed. He stressed the importance of holding these elections in all Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, to renew the legitimacy of Palestinian institutions and strengthen national unity. Abdelatty also called for renewed efforts to achieve Palestinian reconciliation and end the division between Palestinian factions.
The issue of Palestinian tax revenues has gained urgency following a recent statement by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who revealed that Israel is withholding $6.5 billion in tax revenues owed to the Palestinian Authority. These funds are crucial for financing the Palestinian budget, maintaining public services, and paying the salaries of civil servants. The Palestinian economy has been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict and tensions.
Egypt's push for the release of Palestinian tax revenues comes as the country continues to play an active role in regional diplomacy. Abdelatty has held bilateral talks with various counterparts, including US officials, to discuss the situation in the Middle East and efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace. The Egyptian government has consistently expressed its support for the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination.
The international community has been urged to take concrete steps to address the economic and humanitarian challenges facing the Palestinian people. The release of Palestinian tax revenues is seen as a critical step towards stabilizing the Palestinian economy and supporting the Palestinian Authority's efforts to provide essential services to its citizens. Egypt's efforts to rally international support for the Palestinian cause are ongoing.
Key points
- Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty calls for the release of $6.5 billion in Palestinian tax revenues held by Israel.
- The Palestinian Authority has announced plans to hold legislative elections in November.
- Egypt reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights.
