Combined images of (From L to R) Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi , Egyptian Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty and Lebanese Foreign Minister ,Youssef Raji.
According to a statement by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during his phone call with his Lebanese counterpart, Youssef Raji, FM Abdelatty cautioned against the escalating tensions in Southern Lebanon, warning they could endanger regional security.
Moreover, Abdelatty stressed the need to fully implement and adhere to the agreement on the cessation of hostilities in southern Lebanon.
He also called for the immediate, complete, and unconditional withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, emphasizing the importance of empowering the Lebanese army to implement UN Resolution 1701 and the need for all parties to apply the resolution fully and simultaneously without selectivity.
Moreover, the Egyptian FM emphasized Egypt’s firm support for the Lebanese state, its national institutions, and its stability in the face of security challenges.
The top diplomat affirmed Egypt’s rejection of any actions that could compromise the security, safety, and stability of the Lebanese people.
Since the 27 November truce took effect, Israel has repeatedly breached the ceasefire by conducting airstrikes and maintaining control over five strategic sites in southern Lebanon.
Although Israel was supposed to withdraw from Lebanese territory by 18 February, following a missed January deadline, it has yet to do so, thereby continuing to violate the terms of the ceasefire.
On Saturday, Lebanese PM Nawaf Salam warned that the renewed military operations along the southern border risk dragging Lebanon into a new war, threatening civilian lives and national stability.
Moreover, on Thursday, Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple areas in southern and eastern Lebanon.
Iranian FM
In addition, Abdelatty held a separate call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, during which both sides discussed the rapidly evolving regional situation and the importance of containing escalation in Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen.
The Egyptian FM stressed the importance of upholding the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and working to contain the current escalation.
Minister Abdelatty stressed the need for restraint and warned against actions that could worsen regional tensions.
He also highlighted Red Sea developments, stressing the need to protect navigation amid economic losses from declining Suez Canal revenues and regional instability.
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