Egypt’s FM to Blinken: Israel should stop war on Gaza, Lebanon

CAIRO: 26 October 2024: A phone call took place on Friday evening between Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his US counterpart Anthony Blinken, as part of the periodic consultations on regional developments and intensifying efforts to contain the dangerous escalation in the Middle East.

Abdelatty stressed the need for Israel to stop escalation and violation of international humanitarian law. He warned of the serious repercussions of a regional war on regional and international security and stability.

The Egyptian Minister also stressed the importance of intensifying efforts to provide the Gaza Strip with humanitarian aid without conditions and for Israel to stop obstructing relief aid, denouncing Israeli efforts to undermine the UNRWA.

The call also discussed in detail the efforts being made to quickly reach a ceasefire in Lebanon, the issue of the presidential vacancy, and the election of a Lebanese president who enjoys the consensus of the Lebanese people.

Abdelatty reviewed the Egyptian efforts to stop the Israeli escalation in Lebanon, and denounced the continued Israeli transgressions and violations of Lebanese sovereignty, which is causing a humanitarian disaster that has led to the displacement of more than 1.2 million Lebanese. The Minister also said that the Israeli army targeting UNIFIL forces in a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter and international law.

He also stressed the urgent importance of an immediate ceasefire and the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 in all its elements without selectivity, and enabling Lebanese institutions to play their role, especially the Lebanese army. He stressed the need to elect a consensus president in Lebanon to end the presidential vacancy crisis without external dictates.

The two ministers also discussed the serious developments in Sudan, and the efforts made to ensure the access of humanitarian aid and reach a ceasefire. Abdelatty reiterated the importance of preserving and supporting the Sudanese state institutions, respecting the unity and integrity of Sudanese territories, and intensifying humanitarian and relief aid to brotherly Sudan in light of the deteriorating humanitarian conditions it is witnessing. 

The two ministers also reviewed in their call the positive developments in bilateral relations after the strategic dialogue round, and stressed the importance of continuing to strengthen these relations.