Egypt asks US to pressure Israel to cease its brinkmanship, engage seriously in Gaza talks

CAIRO- 5 August 2024: Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Badr Abdelatty held a phone call with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, on Monday, to discuss the ongoing regional escalation and strategies to prevent it, said Egyptian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid in a statement.

Abdelatty briefed Blinken on his discussions with foreign ministers from several countries in the region, including Iran and Lebanon, as well as European nations. The objective was to address the escalating tensions resulting from Israel's assassination policy and its potential to destabilize the region further, risking an unprecedented expansion of the conflict.

The Egyptian Minister emphasized the importance of self-restraint from all parties to avoid further instability and harm to regional interests. He urged Secretary Blinken to pressure Israel to cease its brinkmanship and engage seriously in ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.

The call also covered the status of ceasefire negotiations and the collaborative efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and the US, Abu Zeid added.

Both ministers exchanged views and assessments, agreeing to continue their efforts and coordination to encourage a ceasefire agreement as soon as possible. They recognized that such an agreement would help alleviate regional tensions and defuse the crisis.

The two ministers agreed to maintain close consultation and coordination to support ongoing calming efforts.

Egypt exerts tremendous diplomatic efforts with other neighboring countries to prevent a potential regional war after Israeli carries out a series of attacks against Iranian-backed the axis of resistance (Hezbollah, Hamas, Yemeni Houthis, and Iraqi Popular Mobilization forces).

Israel assassinated head of the Hamas Political Bureau Ismail Haniyeh, with his body guard, in his residency in the Iranian capital Tehran on July 31, after attending the inauguration ceremony of the Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. A day earlier, Israel assassinated Senior Commander Sayyed Fouad Ali Shokr (Sayyed Mohsen), the second man in the Lebanese Hezbollah by targeting him on Tuesday, August 30, 2024. Meanwhile, the Global Coalition Against Daesh- led by Israeli ally, the US, launched airstrike against personnel from the Iraq Popular Mobilization Forces, which affiliates to the Iraqi army.

Iran, Hezbollah and Iraqi Army vowed to revenge for those who killed by Israel. Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah said that Israel whosoever stands with it should know that our response is inevitable and non-negotiable.

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