We focused on Gaza and Sudan, two of the most devastating conflicts of our time that have killed and displaced millions. The EU is the number one global humanitarian donor. This is a financial responsibility and a political one as well. We remain committed to principled humanitarian aid. We must collectively ensure that all humanitarian efforts remain guided by International Humanitarian Law and humanitarian principles.
We discussed the heartbreaking tragedy in Gaza. Egypt has opened its arms to thousands of Palestinians fleeing the devastation. Since October 2023, around 130,000 people – including 30,000 children – have crossed into Egypt seeking safety, shelter, and medical care.
Egypt also plays a critical role in getting humanitarian aid into Gaza, enabling medical evacuations, supporting regional stability, and contributing to the broader peace efforts. I want to thank Egypt for being one of the main entry points for humanitarian aid, with critical supplies moving through Al Arish airport, in close cooperation with the Egyptian Red Crescent.
With the ceasefire, we now have a window to ease the suffering of millions of Palestinians. The UN Security Council resolution has provided a way forward and now it must be put into action. Some aid is getting in, but it is far from enough. The needs are massive.
Since October 2023, our office in Gaza was evacuated and closed. Since then, the EU has neither technical nor political access. This does not allow us to properly assess the situation there. Tomorrow, I will travel to Rafah to see the situation there.
After 2 years of relentless bombing by Israels IDF, Gaza is almost completely destroyed. Some areas look like flattened wastelands with critical shortages in food, shelter, healthcare, sanitation, and education.
Palestinians have lost their homes. Entire neighbourhoods have vanished. Over 90% of homes in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed. People are living in piles of rubble. With winter approaching, they are cold, wet, and hungry after recent floods. They simply have nowhere to go. A tent cannot protect a child from winter, so shelters, blankets, and winter kits are urgently needed.
Aid must now go from drip-drop to a massive flow. No more bureaucratic burden to block aid. We need full access, and INGOs must be registered and allowed to deliver. I know Egypt does all it can to help make this happen.
We also discussed Sudan. Sudan is a nightmare and the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. More than half of the people need lifesaving aid. Famine is now confirmed in North Darfur and South Kordofan.
We have all seen the horrific images from El Fasher. Civilians hunted down and massacred by the Rapid Support Forces. This is not military; this is criminal. What happened in El Fasher is not warfare, it is slaughter. The EU — and the international community — must keep this tragedy high on our agenda. It cannot become the worlds forgotten war.
Last week, EU Foreign Ministers took a strong stance, condemning the RSF atrocities and demanding full accountability. They also called for real measures to protect civilians, for unhindered humanitarian access, and for the parties to return to talks for an immediate ceasefire.
The EU is also committed to supporting the millions of Sudanese refugees who have fled to neighbouring countries. Egypt has been on the front line from day one. The European Union is here to support you. You opened your doors to people fleeing the war, and your generosity has saved countless lives.
Egypt now hosts over 1.5 million Sudanese refugees and asylum seekers. Over 200,000 are still waiting to be registered with UNHCR. Three out of four refugees in Egypt are Sudanese, and over 75% of new arrivals are women and children.
We are fully aware of Egypts enormous efforts, and I want to personally thank you for your generosity. The European Union continues to support you. This year, we have provided an additional seven million euros in humanitarian aid to help the most vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers in Egypt.
I want to end with one clear message: Egypt, you can count on the European Union. We are here to stay. We will remain a trusted partner to make sure aid reaches the people who need it most.