Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry has asserted Egypt's unwavering support of the Palestinian cause and its rejection of anything that could undermine Jerusalem's Arab, Islamic and Christian identity, violate the city's sacred places, or change the historical and legal status quo. Shoukry made the remarks in a meeting on Monday the Palestinian president's Advisor for Religious Affairs and Islamic Relations Mahmoud Al-Habbash at the foreign ministry headquarters in Cairo, foreign ministry spokesman Ahmed Hafez said. The Palestinian official briefed the foreign minister on the latest developments in the Palestinian territories, the escalation and violations committed by Israel in East Jerusalem, and the continued attempts to impose a fait accompli and change the city's historic and legal status. Habbash expressed the Palestinian leadership and people's appreciation for Egypt's support of the Palestinian cause, its role in backing Palestinian rights, and its efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region. Shoukry highlighted Cairo's continued efforts to revive the negotiation track with a view to reaching a comprehensive and just settlement that leads to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
