CAIRO: Egypt’s foreign minister on Wednesday urged a visiting US delegation to resume its financial support for UNRWA, the UN aid agency for Palestinians.

Sameh Shoukry told the group of members of the US House Committee on Homeland Security, led by August Pfluger, that the decision to halt funding would have an impact on Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.

A total of 16 countries suspended their financial support for UNRWA after Israel accused 12 of the agency’s 13,000 employees in the Gaza Strip of taking part in the Hamas-led assault on Israel on Oct. 7.

Shoukry also stressed the importance of an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza in a sustainable manner and in sufficient quantities to meet the growing need. He also called for the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2720, which gives the UN a mandate to facilitate the entry of aid into Gaza.

The minister reiterated Egypt’s rejection of any Israeli military operation against the Palestinian city of Rafah, which he said would represent a humanitarian catastrophe for more than 1.4 million displaced people.

He also highlighted his country’s efforts to bring security and stability to the region amid the ongoing threat of armed conflicts, terrorism and various economic and development challenges.

Egypt’s vision and strategy for fighting terrorism took into account economic, social, cultural, educational and development issues and sought to eradicate the problem at its roots, he said.

The visiting delegation stressed the importance of good Egypt-US relations and expressed their appreciation for the role played by Cairo in supporting regional peace, security and stability.

They also offered their full support for Egypt’s efforts aimed at reaching a permanent ceasefire agreement in Gaza.