Egypt’s FM heads to Beirut within efforts to defuse regional tensions

CAIRO – 16 August 2024: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates’ Affairs Badr Abdelatty departed for Beirut on Friday as part of efforts to provide support to Lebanon amidst the current challenges it is facing.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the visit is also aimed at mitigating the escalating tensions in the region.

During his stay, Abdelatty is scheduled to meet with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Najib Mikati, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Abdallah Bou Habib.

The discussions will cover various aspects of bilateral relations between Egypt and Lebanon, sharing perspectives on the significant challenges Lebanon is confronting during this critical period. Efforts towards de-escalation in the region will also be a key topic of conversation.

Additionally, the minister's agenda includes visits to the Egyptian field hospital, Beirut Arab University, and the Egyptian embassy in Beirut.

Abdelatty has been actively engaging with international partners, including Lebanon, amidst the rapid and intense escalation in the region, particularly in the aftermath of the Gaza war, recognizing the potential implications for Lebanon's security and stability.

Regional tensions escalating

Tensions have risen significantly in the wake of Israel's recent series of targeted killings aimed at leaders of Palestinian factions in Gaza and Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon.

An Israeli military strike in Beirut in late July killed Fuad Shukr, a senior commander of Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, and several civilians.

Hezbollah has been targeting Israeli interests following the commencement of the Israeli operations in Gaza, which have claimed over 40,000 lives since October 7.

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

In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has vowed severe repercussions for Israel at an appropriate time and place for Shukr's killing, indicating that Hezbollah's attacks may extend beyond military targets.

Both Hezbollah and Hamas have also vowed retaliation for the killing of Hamas' political bureau head, Ismail Haniyeh, in July, heightening concerns of a broader regional war.

The Houthis of Yemen have also pledged support for any Iranian response against Israel.

Amid these escalating tensions, mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States have convened in Doha to work towards a ceasefire in Gaza, aiming to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian population, secure the release of Israeli captives, and potentially mitigate regional tensions.

The Israeli war has resulted in a devastating toll, with 40,005 fatalities, 92,401 injuries, the displacement of most of Gaza's 2.2 million inhabitants, and the enclave facing the looming threat of famine.