Combined images of (From L to R) Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares.
During the call, Abdelatty reviewed Egypt’s intensive diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions, warning that the current war risks embroiling the region in a cycle of chaos and instability.
He emphasized that conflicts should be resolved first and foremost by diplomacy and dialogue.
Moreover, the two ministers discussed the situation in Gaza and the West Bank.
Abdelatty praised Spain’s “principled and honourable” support of the Palestinian people and their cause, especially at this critical juncture.
He also affirmed that the ongoing war in the region must not divert attention from events in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Compared to other EU countries, Spain has been an outspoken advocate of a ceasefire during Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza. Spain has also been highly vocal about providing unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza’s besieged civilian population.
On 28 May 2024, Spain formally recognized Palestine as a state, acting alongside Ireland and Norway to promote a two-state solution and peace in the Middle East.
Moreover, the Egyptian FM urged transitioning to the second phase of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan. This transition centres primarily on enabling the national committee for the administration of Gaza to begin operations on the ground and deploying an international stabilization force.
It also includes reopening the Rafah crossing in both directions and ensuring the unimpeded flow of humanitarian, relief, and medical aid.
Abdelatty further condemned escalating settler violence against innocent and unarmed Palestinian civilians in the West Bank. He also denounced Israel’s continuous annexation policies and settlement expansion in defiance of international law.
In addition, the Egyptian FM decried the Israeli Knesset’s approval of a law that sanctions executing Palestinian prisoners.
Egypt continues mediation efforts to keep negotiations on track.
On Thursday, 2 April, Egypt hosted talks in Cairo that brought together a Hamas delegation, led by Gaza chief Khalil Al-Hayya, Egyptian officials, Palestinian factions, and international mediators to accelerate the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and address worsening humanitarian conditions.
Unnamed sources told Al Qahera News TV channel on Saturday that “a positive atmosphere” had prevailed during the talks, which ended on Friday.
Similarly, Abdelatty and Albares addressed the situation in Lebanon.
The Egyptian FM briefed his Spanish counterpart on the outcomes of his visit to Beirut on 26 March.
He emphasized that Israel must halt its attacks on Lebanon immediately. He also reiterated Egypt’s categorical rejection of any infringement on Lebanon’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, as well as any targeting of civilian infrastructure.
Abdelatty further accentuated the empowerment of Lebanese state institutions to consolidate state authority and sovereignty over all Lebanese territory.
He also urged the full, non-selective implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
In return, Albares condemned the misconduct of a small group of fans during a friendly football match between Egypt and Spain last Tuesday as unacceptable. Such behaviour, he insisted, is unreflective of the strong ties between the two countries.
Albares also confirmed that legal action would be taken against the perpetrators.
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