Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement noted that Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry stressed the importance of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) when he received its commissioner, Philippe Lazzarini.

During the meeting, Shoukry affirmed Cairo’s full support for that agency, which is facing severe funding problems due to a fall in international donations.

The head of Egyptian diplomacy stressed the need to revive the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians and preserve the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including establishing an independent state with its capital in East Jerusalem.

Lazzarini, in turn, praised Egypt’s efforts to mobilize international support for UNRWA, which is “on the verge of collapse.”

UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Palestinian territories Lynn Hastings warned last month that some 2.1 million residents of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank needs assistance.

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