Egypt’s FM: situation in West Bank and Gaza ‘extremely fragile’

CAIRO – 6 February 2026: Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, said Friday that both the Middle East and Europe are navigating an "extremely difficult" geopolitical period.

Speaking at a conference with his counterparts in the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee, Abdelatty highlighted the overlapping crises currently destabilizing the region. He pointed to the central importance of the Palestinian cause, alongside deteriorating conditions in Libya and Sudan, the volatile situations in Syria and Lebanon, and various ongoing conflicts across the African continent.

The Foreign Minister further noted that Europe faces its own set of grave challenges, most notably the protracted repercussions of the Russia-Ukraine war and the resulting political, economic, and security crises.

Abdelatty emphasized that the Palestinian issue remains at the forefront of diplomatic priorities. He described the situation in the West Bank and Gaza Strip as "extremely fragile," noting that despite minor positive developments, there has been a significant and worrying escalation in both territories.

The Minister reaffirmed Egypt's support for U.S. President Donald Trump’s leadership and the peace plan proposed by his administration. He underscored the critical role of the United States as a primary guarantor in halting further escalation and ensuring the longevity of the current ceasefire.

However, the Foreign Minister cautioned that progress on the ground remains limited. He pointed out that the Israeli side continues to impose obstacles that impede the delivery of humanitarian aid and restrict the movement of civilians—factors he said are severely exacerbating the humanitarian crisis across the Palestinian territories.