Cairo has reiterated its support for the central role of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in tackling the worsening crises in Gaza and Sudan, calling for unimpeded aid access and the protection of civilians.
Egypt on Wednesday reaffirmed its full backing for OCHA’s “key role” in managing regional humanitarian crises, particularly in those two countries.
This position was conveyed by Egyptian Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, during a phone call with the UN’s Head of Humanitarian Aid, Tom Fletcher, according to an official statement released in Cairo.
During the conversation, the two officials reviewed the rapid degradation of the humanitarian situation in several conflict zones across the region, notably the Gaza Strip and Sudan. Abdelatty stressed the urgent need to intensify international mobilisation to meet what he deemed critical humanitarian needs, amidst a context marked by continued hostilities, massive population displacement, and the collapse of essential services.
Concerning Palestine, the Egyptian top diplomat insisted on the necessity of guaranteeing “total access” for humanitarian, medical, and relief aid to the Gaza Strip. He called for the removal of obstacles hindering the delivery of assistance, highlighting that extreme winter weather conditions are further aggravating the vulnerability of the civilian population.
Abdelatty emphasised the protection of civilians and the acceleration of basic needs delivery, including relief items and mobile shelters, in order to alleviate the suffering of the enclave’s residents.
Regarding Sudan, the minister identified the provision of safe refuges for displaced populations and the guarantee of unimpeded humanitarian access as priorities. He condemned “grave violations” perpetrated against civilians, particularly in the El-Fasher region and North Kordofan, where fighting has led to a rapid deterioration of living conditions and an influx of internally displaced persons. Abdelatty stressed that OCHA plays an essential role in coordinating relief efforts and documenting violations committed against civilians.
On the diplomatic front, this exchange is part of a series of initiatives led by Egypt to keep the humanitarian issue at the heart of the international agenda. Cairo has long advocated for a strengthened multilateral approach, based on respect for international humanitarian law and the protection of civilian populations in conflict zones.
By reaffirming its support for OCHA, Egypt aims to consolidate cooperation with the United Nations and encourage a more coordinated international response to the persistent humanitarian crises in Palestine and Sudan, as needs on the ground continue to grow at a sustained pace.
MK/ak/lb/as/APA