Egypt, US discuss ceasefire 'efforts' in Gaza amid ongoing genocide

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
4 Nov 2024 17:18

Egypt and the US' top diplomats discuss political and security tensions in region as well as the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

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An Egyptian flag displayed in Trafalgar Square, London, Saturday, February 12, 2011. (AP)

In a diplomatic call on Sunday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed urgent regional crises, including ceasefire efforts in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as the escalating crisis in Sudan.

According to a statement from the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abdelatty reportedly expressed to Blinken Egypt's deep concerns over "Israel's" actions in Gaza, which he stated are obstructing humanitarian relief and hindering the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from fulfilling its mission to aid Palestinians.

Abdelatty reiterated Egypt's condemnation of these restrictions and stressed the need for an immediate cease-fire.

He underscored Egypt's long-standing position on the Palestinian cause: treating Gaza and the West Bank as unified territories and moving toward a Palestinian state to end the occupation ultimately.

Focus on Lebanon: Ceasefire and political stalemate

The two diplomats also addressed political and security tensions in Lebanon, the statement noted, with Abdelatty calling for international efforts to secure an immediate ceasefire.

He recalled the importance of implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for a cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and "Israel" and the establishment of a demilitarized zone patrolled by the Lebanese Army and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

Abdelatty condemned recent Israeli incursions into Lebanese territory and the targeting of UNIFIL personnel, denouncing these actions as violations of Lebanese sovereignty and international law.

Lebanon's political gridlock also emerged as a focal point. Since September 2022, the Lebanese parliament has failed 12 times to elect a new president, leaving the country without a head of state.

Abdelatty voiced Egypt's commitment to resolving Lebanon's presidential impasse without external interference, stressing that stable leadership is essential to tackle Lebanon's pressing economic and humanitarian needs.

Sudan's Worsening Crisis

The diplomats turned their attention to Sudan, where ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has led to devastating human costs.

The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has displaced more than 11 million people and driven over 20,000 to their deaths, with millions at risk of famine due to severe food shortages.

Abdelatty and Blinken discussed efforts to secure a ceasefire, stressing the importance of maintaining Sudanese state institutions and supporting Sudan's territorial integrity, as Egypt's foreign minister urged increased international humanitarian aid, as millions face starvation across the war-torn country.