Egyptian FM, Palestinian VP urge preserving territorial unity in Gaza, West Bank

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Palestinian Vice President Hussein Al-Sheikh emphasized on August 23, 2026, the critical need to maintain the territorial integrity of the Palestinian territories, specifically in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. They discussed recent events during a phone conversation as part of ongoing coordination efforts.

Abdelatty criticized Israel's expanding settlement activities, increased settler violence, and violations in East Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque. He firmly rejected Egypt's stance against the "E1" settlement project, warning it could lead to the division of the West Bank, encircling and isolating East Jerusalem, and obstructing the chances of an independent Palestinian state, with Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders.

The dialogue also focused on finalizing the commitments of the initial phase of the US peace plan, adhering to the roadmap, and transitioning to the second phase. This included guaranteeing humanitarian aid's delivery to Gaza and empowering the Gaza Strip's National Committee for Administration to begin fulfilling its duties within the territory.

Al-Sheikh acknowledged Egypt's backing of the Palestinian cause and its commitment to safeguarding the Palestinian people's legitimate rights, highlighting the necessity of continued coordination and consultations in the future.