Egypt: Israel must halt policy of assassinations, sovereignty violations in the region

CAIRO - 2 August 2024: Egypt has reiterated the imperative for Israel to halt its policy of escalation, which includes assassinations and breaches on the sovereignty of regional countries under any pretext.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty conveyed this stance during a phone conversation on Thursday with Tor Wennesland, the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process.

The call transpired amidst Israel's recent string of assassination attempts targeting leaders of Palestinian factions in Gaza and Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon.

Notably, Israel assassinated Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas’ political bureau this week, while he was in Tehran, shortly after attending the inauguration of the new Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian.

Following Haniyeh’s killing, the Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, pledged retaliation, deeming it as "our duty." Reports assert that Khamenei has ordered a direct strike against Israel.

Both Hezbollah and Hamas have vowed revenge for Haniyeh's death, heightening concerns of a potential regional war.

In light of escalating tensions, several global airlines, including United Airlines, Delta Air, and British Airways, have temporarily suspended flights to Israel.

Furthermore, France has advised its citizens to depart from and avoid travel to Iran.

Yesterday’s phone call delved into the ongoing serious developments in the region. Abdelatty and Wennesland underscored the dangers of escalation that can lead to widespread confrontations, imperiling the stability and populace of the region.

Abdelatty briefed Wennesland on his communications with various international and regional entities to contain the situation and alleviate tensions.

He stressed the urgency of international endeavors, particularly spearheaded by the United Nations and influential global powers, to bring an end to the protracted war in the Gaza Strip and alleviate the humanitarian plight of Palestinians there.

Abdelatty cautioned that the perpetuation of the Gaza crisis further complicates the regional landscape.

Wennesland, on behalf of the UN and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, expressed profound concern over the escalating regional tensions.

He lauded Egypt's efforts to address the Gaza crisis and its humanitarian and security implications, as well as its initiatives to prevent the conflict from spreading and imperiling the region.