Egyptian, French FMs discuss escalation tensions in Lebanon amid Paris’ call for international conference

CAIRO- 12 October 2024: Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Badr Abdelatty spoke with Jean-Noel Barrot, Minister of Foreign Affairs of France, on Friday. This call was part of ongoing consultations between Cairo and Paris regarding the escalating tensions in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip and their regional security and stability implications.

Ambassador Tamim Khalaf, the official spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reported that Minister Abdelatty emphasized the dire consequences of the Israeli army's unjustified escalation in Lebanon. He noted that recent Israeli strikes on UNIFIL sites in southern Lebanon, which led to the injury of two UNIFIL soldiers, emphasize the need for the Israeli occupation army to ensure the safety of UN personnel and property.

Minister Abdelatty called for an immediate ceasefire and efforts to de-escalate regional tensions, outlining Egypt's commitment to preventing a broader conflict. He reaffirmed Egypt's stance against any infringement on Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing the importance of strengthening Lebanese institutions, particularly the Lebanese army. He also stressed the need for all parties to adhere to Security Council Resolution 1701 in its entirety.

Additionally, the Minister expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, where more than 1.2 million citizens have been displaced. He urged for increased humanitarian aid to support the Lebanese government in addressing this urgent situation.

Minister Abdelatty also called for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, ensuring full access to aid and an end to Israeli attacks in the West Bank. He appreciated France's support for Palestinian rights and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state in line with the two-state solution.

France has announced that it will hold an international conference “in Support of Lebanon’s People and Sovereignty,” due to be held in Paris on 24 October 2024.