Egypt, France express 'deep concern' over situation in Gaza; call for de-escalation

Ahram Online , Saturday 7 Oct 2023

Egypt and France have expressed “deep concern' over the escalating situation in Gaza, calling for all international and regional efforts to prioritize de-escalation and the cessation of violence.

A ball of fire and smoke rise from an explosion on a Palestinian apartment tower following an Israeli air strike in Gaza City, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. AFP

In a phone call on Saturday, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron discussed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and ways to de-escalate and end the violence, the Egyptian Presidency stated.

President El-Sisi pointed to the dangers of further deterioration and violence, warning of worsening humanitarian conditions in the enclave.

He also warned about dragging the region into a vicious circle of tension and threatening regional stability and security.

The Egyptian president highlighted Cairo's efforts to contain the current escalation through its intensive communications with the Israeli and Palestinian sides and the international and regional parties.

Earlier today, Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned of the "grave consequences" due to the escalating violence between Palestinian and Israeli sides centred on Gaza, urging both sides to exercise maximum restraint and avoid exposing civilians to further risks.

The Israeli army declared a state of war on Saturday morning, calling up reserves and carrying out air strikes on Gaza after Hamas launched an unprecedented surprise attack.