Latest news with #OsamaAbdelKhalek
Egypt Today
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Egypt Today
Egypt's UN Envoy: What happens in Gaza stains int'l community
NEW YORK - 18 June 2025: Egypt's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Osama Abdel Khalek Tuesday strongly condemned the ongoing situation in the Gaza Strip, calling it 'a stain on the conscience of the international community' that must be brought to an immediate end. Addressing the UN General Assembly, Abdel Khalek urged member states to remain steadfast in their principled support of the Palestinian cause, emphasizing the importance of establishing an independent Palestinian state with al-Quds (East Jerusalem) as its capital and granting it full membership in the United Nations, describing this as the only path to peace in the region. There is no room for neutrality—silence is complicity, and hesitation in supporting the Palestinian right is betrayal, he said. Voting in favor of any forthcoming resolution aimed at saving civilians in Palestinian territories is a legal obligation and a moral necessity, he added. He also criticized the most recent use of the veto in the UN Security Council, stating it disregarded international responsibility and allowed Israel to persist in its brutal aggression against unarmed civilians in Gaza. He stressed that such repeated actions highlight the urgent need for comprehensive reform of the UNSC—chief among them, addressing the structural flaw in the veto system once and for all. He continued, this latest veto does not change two glaring facts. First, Israel is systematically committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, orchestrated by far-right Israeli leadership and top officials—who must be held accountable, he said. Second, there is clear and overwhelming international consensus demanding an immediate end to this unjust war and the protection of the Palestinian people, as reflected by the sweeping support for the resolution adopted on June 12, he added. In his speech before the UNGA, Abdel Khalek said the international community has a legal and moral obligation that cannot be evaded—to reject such use of the veto and to refuse to let it serve as a political or legal cover for the continuation of war. The right of veto does not supersede international law, nor does it rise above human nature that refuses the killing of children and innocent people in Gaza, he added. 'All members of the international community must exert every possible pressure on Israel to stop its aggression, lift the blockade and starvation policies, allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza without conditions, and implement relevant UN resolutions, including the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).' He called for the development of international humanitarian law terminology to address the crimes committed by Israel in Gaza, saying the Palestinian people have the right to have their suffering recognized and the crimes committed against them acknowledged—crimes that have persisted for decades. The Palestinians are the only people enduring war crimes and unprecedented atrocities broadcast live to the world, with no end in sight, he added. Egypt is committed to its mediation efforts, in cooperation with Qatar and the United States, to reach a permanent ceasefire and end the Israeli blockade on Gaza, he stressed. He noted that this mediation effort does not contradict the role of the United Nations and its bodies in stopping the aggression and saving innocent civilians. In a related context, Egypt's representative condemned the Israeli attacks on Iran, stressing Egypt's rejection of any actions that violate international law, the UN Charter, or the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. He expressed deep concern over this dangerous escalation, which threatens serious consequences for the security of the Middle East.
Egypt Independent
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
Egypt plays key role in humanitarian efforts for Gaza
Egypt has played a key role in facilitating humanitarian response efforts for those in need in the war-torn Gaza Strip since 2023, Egypt's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Osama Abdel Khalek said. Addressing a UN Security Council session on Palestine on Friday 23/5/2025, the Egyptian diplomat emphasized the need for immediate and practical interventions to provide financial support for humanitarian assistance and early recovery efforts to address the catastrophic situation in the war-ravaged enclave, as well as the ongoing challenges in the West Bank. Abdel Khalek underscored the need to ensure compliance of all humanitarian mechanisms with international humanitarian law. As co-chairs of the Working Group on Humanitarian Action and Reconstruction, Egypt and the UK are all ready to work with all parties and partners, he said, urging the co-chairs of the other groups to help in taking practical and concrete action to establish an independent Palestinian state based on a two-state solution. Israel has been waging a genocidal war against the Gaza Strip, leaving 3,822 people dead, and 122,382 others wounded, most of them children and women, since October 7, 2023. More than 11,000 people remain missing. The relentless aggression has led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands.
See - Sada Elbalad
23-05-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Egypt's Representative to UN: Egypt Played key Role in Facilitating Humanitarian Response to Gaza since 2023
Taarek Refaat Ambassador Osama Abdel Khalek, Egypt's Permanent Representative to the United Nations affirmed that Egypt has played a key role in facilitating the humanitarian response to the Gaza Strip since 2023. In his address to the UN Security Council's ad hoc session on Palestine on Friday, Abdel Khalek stressed the need for rapid and practical interventions to provide financial support for humanitarian assistance, early recovery, and addressing the current catastrophic situation in the Gaza Strip and the challenges in the West Bank, while ensuring that humanitarian mechanisms comply with international humanitarian law. He stated that Egypt and the United Kingdom, as co-chairs of this group, express their full readiness to work with all parties and partners. Egypt's Permanent Representative reiterated the need for the co-chairs of the other groups to assist in taking practical and tangible measures and commitments to achieve the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and the two-state solution. Since October 7, 2023, the Israeli occupation forces have been committing genocidal crimes in the Gaza Strip, resulting in 53,822 martyrs and 122,382 wounded, most of them children and women, more than 11,000 missing, and hundreds of thousands displaced. read more CBE: Deposits in Local Currency Hit EGP 5.25 Trillion Morocco Plans to Spend $1 Billion to Mitigate Drought Effect Gov't Approves Final Version of State Ownership Policy Document Egypt's Economy Expected to Grow 5% by the end of 2022/23- Minister Qatar Agrees to Supply Germany with LNG for 15 Years Business Oil Prices Descend amid Anticipation of Additional US Strategic Petroleum Reserves Business Suez Canal Records $704 Million, Historically Highest Monthly Revenue Business Egypt's Stock Exchange Earns EGP 4.9 Billion on Tuesday Business Wheat delivery season commences on April 15 News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
Daily News Egypt
16-03-2025
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Egyptian representative delivers Grand Imam of Azhar statement on Islamophobia to UN
Egypt's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York delivered a statement to the UN General Assembly during the commemoration of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. Ambassador Osama Abdel Khalek delivered the statement on behalf of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed El-Tayeb. In the statement, the Grand Imam asserted that the UN meeting represented the culmination of efforts by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to confront Islamophobia. He described it as an illogical phenomenon that poses a genuine threat to global peace. The Grand Imam voiced his appreciation for the stance of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, commending his remarks about Islam as fair and insightful, reflecting a true understanding of the religion and its tolerant teachings. According to the statement, these teachings stand against Islamophobia and challenge what it described as the tendency to accept pre-conceived judgments and demeaning stereotypes often promoted by far-right groups for narrow political gain. The Grand Imam's statement said that Islamophobia stems from ignorance of Islam's true nature and tolerance, as well as deliberate attempts to distort its principles of peace and coexistence. It added that these distortions rely on false interpretations and the malicious exploitation of abhorrent military actions perpetrated by groups far removed from Islam. The statement called the use of these actions to justify Islamophobia 'the biggest lie in contemporary history.' The statement emphasised the need for unity to build bridges of understanding and overcome ignorance, arrogance and hatred. The Grand Imam believes interreligious and intercultural dialogue is no longer a luxury, but an essential means of saving humanity from ignorance and misunderstanding. The Grand Imam's statement highlighted the Document on Human Fraternity, signed by the Grand Imam and Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi in 2019. The statement also stressed the need to combat hate speech, which it said spreads through discourse on social media and in the mainstream media. It called for promoting dialogue, tolerance and coexistence, enacting binding legislation, and launching awareness campaigns to cultivate tolerance and foster mutual respect, enabling cooperation in developing a narrative that can restore understanding, solidarity and brotherhood among peoples. The Grand Imam's statement also drew attention to the establishment of the Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism. According to the statement, the observatory aims to clarify accurate religious concepts for Muslims and non-Muslims worldwide. It also works to counter extremist ideology, terrorist groups and violent movements, and to monitor acts of violence against Muslims. The Grand Imam's statement urged the development of an international definition of Islamophobia, the creation of databases to document crimes and ethnic and racist practices against Muslims, and the establishment of a mechanism to assess the effectiveness of initiatives aimed at combating Islamophobia. It added that these databases should be comprehensive and regularly updated.
Al-Ahram Weekly
07-02-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
UPDATED: Deterrence, balance of power essential for stability in the Middle East: Egypt UN envoy
Egypt's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Osama Abdel Khalek stressed Thursday that deterrence and balance of power are key to maintaining peace and stability worldwide, noting that the Middle East is no exception. Abdel Khalek's remarks to Al-Qahera News TV channel came in response to recent remarks by Israel's UN representative, who questioned why Egypt needs to arm itself despite the absence of direct threats. "Since he granted himself the right to ask, the answer is clear, simple, and direct: strong and major nations like Egypt require strong armies capable of defending their comprehensive national security with adequate and diversified armament," the Egyptian official said. However, Abdel Khalek reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to peace as a strategic choice, emphasizing that Egypt was the first to lay the foundations of peace in the Middle East. He stressed that Egypt remains fully capable of defending its national security with a strong national army, a defensive military doctrine, and deterrence capabilities. Moreover, Abdel Khalek clarified that the Israeli official's recent remarks were made in Hebrew media rather than in formal UN meetings, as such statements would have required an official response. In response to the Israeli representative's questioning of Egypt's military needs, Abdel Khalek countered by questioning why Israel remains the only country in the Middle East with an unregulated nuclear arsenal, completely outside international oversight. Meanwhile, Abdel Khalek highlighted Egypt's longstanding commitment to making the Middle East a region free from weapons of mass destruction. Egypt diplomatic efforts During the interview, the Egyptian representative highlighted Cairo's diplomatic efforts since the outbreak of the Israeli war on Gaza in October 2023. Abdel Khalek noted that Egypt has prioritized securing a ceasefire, ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid to Palestinians, and firmly rejecting the forced displacement of Palestinians from their land. Additionally, he acknowledged the collective efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and the US in securing a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, which were widely welcomed. He further reaffirmed Egypt's rejection of settlement expansion, land annexation, and any form of forced displacement — temporary or long-term — while underscoring the necessity of a two-state solution. Arab Group's firm stance According to Abdel Khalek, Egypt played a crucial role in leading the Arab Group in the UN, presiding over it in December 2023 and again in January 2025. Under Egypt's leadership, the group successfully passed four UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, including Resolution 2735, which called for a ceasefire. Speaking strongly at the UNSC multiple times, Egypt reiterated the Arab Group's firm stance in support of the Palestinian people's resilience and opposition to any infringement on their inalienable rights. Abdel Khalek underscored that this unwavering Arab position aligns with the stance of Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, who has clearly stated that Egypt cannot condone the oppression of Palestinians or the liquidation of their cause. As a result, Egypt maintains its firm rejection of any forced displacement of Palestinians. Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty, along with other Arab ministers, formally conveyed this position to the US at the highest political levels, he said. According to Abdel Khalek, Egypt hosted a meeting on 30 January at its UN mission headquarters with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the Arab Group. During the meeting, they reaffirmed their core principles, including Egypt's firm opposition to ethnic cleansing and forced displacement of Palestinians. On Thursday, Egypt reaffirmed its categorical rejection of any proposal or plan to liquidate the Palestinian cause by displacing Palestinians from their historic homeland, even temporarily, asserting it 'would not be a party to such a plan.' The Egyptian stance came in response to US President Donald Trump's repeated proposals to displace the Palestinians out of Gaza, culminating in a shocking plan to take over the Gaza Strip and permanently displace its Palestinian population. Trump's remarks drew immediate regional and international condemnation. Short link:
