Topics include deteriorating humanitarian situation, growing suffering of Palestinians, and destruction caused by the conflict between Israel and Hamas CAIRO: Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and Ambassador David Satterfield, the US special envoy for Middle East humanitarian issues, discussed during a meeting in Cairo on Wednesday the latest developments in Gaza. In particular, they talked about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the territory, the growing suffering Palestinians endure on a daily basis, and the damage and destruction caused by the conflict between Israel and Hamas to infrastructure, including hospitals, and the effects this has had on the provision of vital services. Ahmed Abu Zaid, a spokesperson for the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Satterfield briefed Shoukry on the results of efforts by the US to support the delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. They also talked about ways to deliver aid in a sustainable manner in cooperation with UN agencies. Shoukry expressed concern about the recent decision of several countries to suspend funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, despite the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the effects this will have on the ability of the agency to provide vital aid to Palestinians. Some countries put funding on hold this week following allegations that some of the agency’s workers participated in the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel. The minister urged the US and other donor countries to reconsider their decisions to pause funding, given the effect this would have on the suffering of people in Gaza, and to wait for the agency and other UN bodies to complete their investigations into the allegations. Shoukry also called on the international community to support the full implementation of all UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions relating to the crisis in Gaza, especially the provisions of Resolution 2720, which was adopted in December, regarding the role of the UN in facilitating, coordinating and monitoring the humanitarian aid effort. Satterfield praised Egypt for the important role it has played since the start of the conflict in Gaza in helping to provide and deliver humanitarian aid to the territory. The US is keen to continue to consult and work with Egyptian authorities to help the people of Gaza, he added.