Egypt FM meets with PLO delegation and urges Palestinian unity

Egypt’s foreign minister met with a Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) delegation on Thursday, emphasizing the need for Palestinian unity and bolstering the Palestinian Authority (PA) as the Gaza conflict continues, according to AFP. 

The war erupted after Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, prompting a large-scale Israeli retaliation. In Cairo, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s support for the PA and rejected any plans to displace Palestinians from their homeland, according to a statement from his office.

Egypt has been mediating talks between Fatah, the dominant faction in the PA, and Hamas to transfer Gaza’s post-war governance to the PA. These discussions have gained urgency as humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza remain well below what is needed to alleviate the suffering in the territory.

Despite extensive negotiations led by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, a ceasefire remains elusive. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed cautious optimism but warned time may run out before the presidential transition in January.