At G20 session, Egypt’s FM decries ineffectiveness of peace, security mechanisms in ending Gaza conflict

CAIRO – 22 February 2024: Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry participated in a session titled "Role of G20 in dealing with ongoing international tensions" during the G20 Ministers of Foreign Affairs Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, stated Director of the Public Diplomacy Department and spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Abu Zeid on February 21.

The foreign minister delivered a speech expressing gratitude to Brazil for inviting Egypt to participate in this year's G20 meetings, while also addressing the unprecedented crisis facing the international order.

Minister Shoukry outlined two major failures of the international system. Firstly, he pointed out the system’s inability to uphold principles and norms, citing the violations of international law and humanitarian standards in the Gaza Strip conflict. He lamented the staggering toll of more than 29,000 Palestinian lives lost, predominantly women and children, along with the destruction of vital infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and places of worship.

Secondly, Shoukry criticized the international community for failing to embody the concept of a unified global community based on empathy and shared values. He denounced the complete siege imposed by Israel on over 2 million Palestinians in Gaza, leading to starvation and displacement, without adequate international intervention.

The foreign minister also criticized the reluctance of many nations to denounce the ongoing war in Gaza or address media censorship and biased reporting on Palestinian casualties by referring to Palestinian losses as being “deaths” rather than “killings”. He questioned whether all lives truly mattered in the eyes of the international community.

Shoukry further decried the ineffectiveness of peace and security mechanisms in ending the Gaza conflict, despite it being one of the deadliest and most destructive in modern history. He expressed frustration at the continued obstruction of calls for a ceasefire by certain members of the UN Security Council through the use of veto power.

The minister emphasized that the crisis in Gaza was not a recent development but a longstanding consequence of the denial of Palestinian rights and unilateral measures against them.

Additionally, Shoukry recalled his previous warning at the G20 Ministerial meeting regarding the dangers of further polarization within the international order. He reiterated Egypt's stance on the Ukrainian crisis, advocating for adherence to international law, the UN Charter, and diplomatic solutions through direct negotiations.

In conclusion, Shoukry urged the G20 and its members to end polarization and uphold international law, humanitarian standards, and relevant UN resolutions. He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza and unimpeded humanitarian access for Palestinians. Finally, he stressed the importance of preventing any Israeli military ground offensive against Rafah that could lead to further displacement of Palestinians. He urged decisive action to halt the war in Gaza and prevent further loss of life and destruction.