Egypt supports empowering Palestinian Authority in Gaza: Ambassador
This came in a statement by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday regarding Suleiman's remarks during a meeting with Mohammad Mustafa, the prime minister of the State of Palestine, in Ramallah.
Suleiman also stressed Egypt's firm rejection of any plans for the displacement of the Palestinians or the imposition of sovereignty over the occupied West Bank.
He affirmed that this violates international law and threatens the prospects of establishing an independent Palestinian state.
This comes as aid trucks lined up on approximately four kilometres along the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing heading to the Karm Abu Salem crossing on their way to enter Gaza.
Egypt's Al-Qahera News carried live coverage on Monday, showing dozens of trucks organized by the Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC). It indicated that the trucks are carrying sugar, flour, and baby milk formulas.
Suleiman's statements echo earlier ones by Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty during an exclusive interview with Al Hadath news channel during his visit to the US.
"Cairo has a clear and comprehensive plan for security arrangements and governance of the Gaza Strip after the end of the war," Abdelatty affirmed.
He added that Egypt is training hundreds of Palestinians to take on security duties in Gaza.
Moreover, Ambassador Suleiman reiterated Egypt's welcoming of the outcomes of the two-state solution conference held on 28-30 July in the US.
He also praised the announcement by several countries of their intention to recognize the State of Palestine, including France, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
The ambassador also reviewed Egypt's ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement, facilitate the exchange of captives and detainees, and ensure an unhindered flow of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
On Sunday, Egypt's military spokesman confirmed that nine Egyptian military transport planes airdropped tons of food in areas that are difficult to reach by land in the strip, in tandem with land convoys through the Rafah crossing.
The airdrops came as Egypt's sixth and largest humanitarian aid convoy entered Gaza on Sunday morning, including two fuel trucks carrying 107 tons of diesel to help restore operations at the hospitals and bakeries of the besieged Palestinian territory.
The meeting in Ramallah also stressed the importance of implementing the Arab-Islamic plan on Gaza, building on the outcomes of the two-state solution conference, and preparing for Cairo's hosting of the International Conference on Early Recovery and Reconstruction of the Gaza Strip once a ceasefire is reached.
For his part, the Palestinian premier expressed gratitude to Egypt for its relentless efforts since the outbreak of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.
He also commended Egypt's relief efforts for Gaza despite Israeli obstacles hindering the delivery and distribution of aid.
PM Mustafa further emphasized the importance of Egypt's role in the upcoming phase of the early recovery and reconstruction of Gaza.
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