WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund's executive board has delayed consideration of an $820 million disbursement to Egypt until July 29 in order to finalize some policy details, IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack said on Thursday, adding that such delays are not unusual amid difficult circumstances.

Egypt continues to struggle with a challenging regional environment caused by the Israel-Gaza conflict and stepped up attacks by Houthi militants on Red Sea shipping, which has reduced Egypt's revenues from the Suez Canal by more than half compared to a year ago, Kozack told a regular news briefing.

(Reporting by David Lawder)