Egypt's Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry, held crucial discussions with the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Philippe Lazzarini, on Wednesday, in an effort to address the escalating violence in Gaza. The talks focused on providing necessary protection for civilians and ensuring unhindered access to essential services and relief aid, according to a statement from the foreign ministry. The meeting, attended by the UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, Tor Wennesland, shed light on the acute humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discusses Gaza relief with UN officials in Egypt.#Egypt #Gaza #UN #minister #foreign pic.twitter.com/KpMg6kr5oz

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Shoukry emphasized Egypt's steadfast support for UN agencies in their efforts to deliver much-needed humanitarian assistance to the region. The situation in Gaza has deteriorated rapidly, with over 263,000 people forcibly displaced by the spiraling violence. Israel's control over all entry points to Gaza has precipitated a dire humanitarian situation in the territory, leaving its 2.3 million inhabitants without access to vital resources such as food, clean water, fuel, and electricity. Israeli airstrikes have intensified the suffering inflicted on the Palestinian population since Hamas militants initiated a devastating cross-border assault.

Shoukry expressed concern over the grave consequences of policies resembling collective punishment, starvation, and siege, which flagrantly violate international humanitarian law. These actions have been condemned by various international figures, including the UN human rights chief, Volker Turk, who iterated that the blockade is strictly prohibited under international law. Turk called for the establishment of a humanitarian corridor to alleviate the dire conditions facing the population. In response to the urgent need for assistance, the Egyptian Red Crescent has been working tirelessly to deliver vital aid to Gaza.

The first shipment of medical supplies was successfully received by their counterparts through the Rafah crossing on Monday. However, the continuous bombardment of this entry point by Israeli aircraft has added further hurdles to the already challenging task of providing aid to those in need. As the crisis in Gaza continues to escalate, international cooperation and support are crucial in mitigating the suffering endured by innocent civilians. The talks between Sameh Shoukry and Philippe Lazzarini underline the pressing need for immediate action to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and ensure the delivery of vital aid to Gaza.