Egypt and Palestinian Leadership Call for Territorial Unity in Gaza and the West Bank Amid Escalating Tensions

Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty and Palestinian Vice President Hussein Al-Sheikh emphasized the critical need to preserve the territorial unity of the Palestinian territories in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank during a phone call on Sunday, August 23, 2026, stressing the importance of enabling the Palestinian Authority to resume its responsibilities.

The discussion, held as part of ongoing diplomatic coordination, addressed the latest developments across the region. During the call, Badr Abdelatty strongly condemned the expansion of Israeli settlement activities, the escalation of violence by settlers, and ongoing violations in East Jerusalem and at Al-Aqsa Mosque. He reaffirmed Egypt's firm rejection of the settlement project in the “E1” area, warning that it risks dividing the West Bank, isolating East Jerusalem, and threatening the foundation for an independent Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Furthermore, the two officials reviewed ongoing diplomatic efforts to fulfill commitments under the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan, following established roadmaps to advance toward the second phase. These priorities include facilitating the steady flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza and empowering the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza to operate directly from within the Strip.

In response, Hussein Al-Sheikh commended Egypt for its steadfast support of the Palestinian cause and its defense of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, agreeing to maintain close coordination and consultations moving forward.

Tents sheltering displaced Palestinians in western Gaza City were documented on May 10, amid ongoing reports that Israeli forces have expanded their control across more than half of Gaza.