Egypt affirms support to Lebanon against threats amid growing regional escalation

CAIRO – 4 August 2024: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates’ Affairs Badr Abdelatty emphasized Egypt’s steadfast support for Lebanon in the face of escalating threats in the region.

Abdelatty engaged in a phone call with Lebanon’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Abdallah Bou Habib on Saturday, as per a statement from the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the conversation, Abdelatty stressed that Egypt is actively engaging with all pertinent stakeholders to de-escalate the current regional situation and protect the interests of the Lebanese people.

Abdelatty expressed profound concerns about the swift and intense escalation in the region, highlighting the potential implications for Lebanon's security and stability.

The Egyptian foreign minister emphasized the necessity of concerted efforts to prevent further deterioration and avoid an expansion in confrontations.

He cautioned that such consequences could severely impact regional security and stability.

The Lebanese foreign minister expressed gratitude for Egypt's dedication to maintaining Lebanon's security and stability and safeguarding the well-being of the Lebanese populace.

He expressed eagerness to work closely with Egypt in addressing the challenging circumstances currently affecting Lebanon.

Bou Habib conveyed that all Lebanese parties have complete confidence in Egypt's pivotal role and genuine efforts to protect Lebanon.

Shukr assassination

The Israeli military conducted a strike on Beirut last week targeting Fuad Shukr, a senior commander of Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Hezbollah has launched frequent attacks on Israeli targets since the onset of the Israeli war in Gaza that has killed around 40,000 people since October 7.

Israel has accused Shukr of orchestrating a recent attack that resulted in the deaths of a dozen individuals in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, although Hezbollah has denied any involvement in the incident.

In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps pledged that Israel would face “severe punishment at the appropriate time, place, and manner” for Shukr's killing.

The IRGC stated that Hezbollah’s attacks are anticipated to extend beyond military sites.

It also mentioned that the strike against Shukr resulted in the deaths of five civilians, with the support of the United States.

Several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and others, have updated their travel advisories for Lebanon, urging their citizens to refrain from all travel to the country due to the deteriorating security situation.

Haniyeh assassination

Global concerns are mounting over a potential all-out war in the region, with expectations of Iran also launching a retaliatory strike against Israeli interests following the killing of Head of Hamas' political bureau Ismail Haniyeh last week.

Haniyeh was assassinated in his residence in Tehran shortly after participating in the inauguration of Pezeshkian.

The Israeli military has declared a state of high alert in anticipation of an Iranian counterattack on Israel, while the Pentagon has announced the deployment of additional warships and fighter jets to deter any potential assault.

Several major airlines, including United, Delta, and Lufthansa, have suspended flights to and from Israel due to concerns about the escalating security situation.

Haniyeh's assassination occurred amid Israel's recent series of targeted killings aimed at leaders of Palestinian factions in Gaza and Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon.

Following Haniyeh’s death, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed retaliation, characterizing it as a "duty." Reports indicate that Khamenei has ordered a direct strike against Israel.

Both Hezbollah and Hamas have also pledged to avenge Haniyeh's killing, heightening fears of a potential regional conflict.

Phoning Iran’s FM

Abdelatty made a phone call with Iran’s foreign minister, Ali Bagheri, on Saturday, urging all parties to exercise restraint amid current unprecedented regional developments.

He stressed the need to prevent the situation in the region from escalating further out of control.

Abdelatty reiterated Egypt's stance, advocating for an end to the war in Gaza, which constitutes the primary factor driving increased tension and confrontation in the area.

He reaffirmed Egypt's rejection of Israeli escalation policies, assassinations, and violations of other countries' sovereignty. Abdelatty stressed that these actions do not benefit any party and will only worsen the conflict and complicate efforts to contain the crisis.