International acclaim for Egypt's role in reaching ceasefire between Palestinians, Israelis

CAIRO - 14 May 2023: Arab Parliament (AP) Speaker Adel bin Abdel Rahman al-Assoumi praised Egypt's efforts, led by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, to reach a ceasefire agreement between the Palestinians and the Israelis in the Gaza Strip.

In a statement Sunday, the AP speaker said the Palestinian-Israeli ceasefire agreement is the fruit of strenuous Egyptian efforts attesting to Egypt's unwavering stand in support of Palestine, with the aim of reaching a fair solution for the Palestinian problem stipulating the establishment of an independent Palestinian State with Al-Quds (East Jerusalem) as its capital, in line with international legitimacy resolutions.

According to Assoumi, reaching permeant peace and stability in the region requires rallying international efforts to resume the moribund Middle East peace process.

He further called on the international community to provide necessary protection for the Palestinians and force the Israeli occupation authority to bring all aggressions and crimes against the Palestinians to a halt, as they constitute a flagrant violation to international law and resolutions.

A ceasefire has taken effect in and around the Gaza Strip after five days of Israeli aggression that claimed the lives of at least 33 Palestinians in Gaza.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly also welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian factions in Gaza, brokered by Egypt.

"The ceasefire must now be honored to prevent the loss of further civilian life," he said.

"The UK will support all efforts to promote dialogue and create a pathway towards sustainable peace." 

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas lauded on Sunday efforts exerted by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to reach a ceasefire between the Palestinians and Israelis and end the aggression on the Gaza Strip.

Abu Mazen said the effective role played by Egypt to end the aggression reflects the strong and special Palestinian-Israeli relations and Sisi's keenness on the Palestinian issue and Palestinian people's rights.

He saluted the steadfastness of Palestinians, expressing condolences to the families of victims and wished a speedy recovery to all wounded.

He directed offering all immediate humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians in Gaza Strip. 

Switzerland welcomed an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip.

The intense confrontations between both sides left at least 33 Palestinians killed.

In a statement released by the Swiss Embassy in Cairo on Sunday, Maya Tissafi, Head of the Middle East and North Africa Division at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, said her country welcomes the ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip, lauding Egypt's mediation role.

Tissafi added Switzerland urges all parties to abide by the ceasefire agreement, extending sincere condolences to the victims' families.

She noted Switzerland calls for ending the cycle of violence and reviving the political process between the Palestinians and Israelis.