Ending Israeli aggression in Gaza 'first step' toward preventing further regional escalation: Egypt FM

Ahmed Mostafa , Tuesday 10 Sep 2024

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stressed that ending the Israeli aggression in the strip is a “first step” toward avoiding further escalation in the region, urging a ceasefire in the war-ravaged strip.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan

 

Abdelatty made his remarks during separate meetings with several Arab counterparts in Cairo on Tuesday, held on the sidelines of the Arab League Council's ministerial meeting.

Abdelatty met with the foreign ministers of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia, discussing the recent regional developments, including Israeli war in Gaza, Sudan crisis, the Red Sea tensions, the ongoing Libyan crisis, and challenges in Lebanon, Somalia, and Yemen.

In a press conference with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, Abdelatty reiterated the call for the international community to fulfill its responsibilities and secure a fair resolution for the Palestinian cause in a way that restores the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

On the Sudan crisis, Abdelatty mentioned that he and his Saudi counterpart concurred on the need for a comprehensive resolution to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people and enable the delivery of aid to restore stability.

He also highlighted that Egypt and Saudi Arabia stand with Lebanon and its people against Israeli violations. Tension have been running high on the Lebanon-Israel border since the start of Israeli war in Gaza on 7 October.

Meanwhile, Abdelatty revealed that the two countries are in the final stages of establishing the Saudi-Egyptian Supreme Coordination Council, to be chaired by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

During his meeting with Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali al-Nefti, Abdelatty emphasized Egypt's commitment to working closely with Tunisia on regional issues, including the Libyan conflict, given their shared borders.

He also underscored the need for joint action on illegal immigration and the Gaza crisis.

In addition, Abdelatty updated Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf on the latest developments in Gaza, detailing Egypt's efforts and engagements with various parties to secure a ceasefire, address regional tensions, and restore stability.

He also commended Algeria's significant role in supporting the Palestinian cause, particularly through its non-permanent Security Council membership for 2024-2025.

In his meeting with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, Abdelatty stressed the importance of continued coordination between Egypt and Morocco on the Gaza crisis.

He reiterated Egypt's rejection of any endeavors aimed at displacing Palestinians from their land. He also underscored the need for a detainee swap deal while urging sustained access of humanitarian to the Gaza Strip.

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