CAIRO, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with Ali Abdel Hamid Shaath, head of Palestinian technocratic committee, on Monday in Cairo and stressed Egypt's full support of the committee's tasks, according to the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.
Egypt backs the head of the committee and all its members, in light of the responsibilities they are undertaking during this critical time, a statement issued by the foreign ministry said.
Abdelatty emphasized the important role the committee will play in administering the daily affairs of the people of the strip and meeting their basic needs, paving the way for the Palestinian Authority to fully resume its responsibilities in Gaza.
Egypt will continue to provide full support to the Palestinian people during this sensitive stage of the Palestinian cause, he said, urging completion of the necessary steps to implement the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan, including the continued delivery of humanitarian and relief assistance to Gaza, and preparation for the early recovery and reconstruction phase.
He further underscored the importance of preserving the unity of Palestinian territory, reaffirming Egypt's complete rejection of any attempts to divide the Gaza Strip.
For his part, Shaath voiced appreciation for Egypt's supportive stance on the Palestinian cause, as well as for the political and humanitarian support Egypt has provided during this pivotal period.
The committee was formed on Wednesday to temporarily administer the post-war Gaza, as the U.S. administration announced the launch of the second phase of its Gaza peace plan. On the same day, the Palestinian presidency announced its support for the committee.
On Thursday, Hamas reaffirmed its readiness to hand over the administration of Gaza to the committee and to facilitate its mission.
According to Shaath, the 15-member committee will work during a two-year transitional period to provide relief and urgent care for the most needy groups, especially women, children and the sick. ■
