Egypt doubles negotiations mediation efforts for Suez Canal impact

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: The Times
17 Jan 2024 22:21

Operations carried out by Sanaa in the Red Sea have changed the dynamics in the Middle East, as per a report by The Times.

Illustrative: Ships are seen at Saleef port in the western Red Sea Hodeidah province, on May 13, 2019 (AFP)

Egypt is making renewed efforts to facilitate a deal between "Israel" and Hamas due to concerns about the impact of attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea on Egypt's economy, as per an article published by The Times.

The paper highlighted that the operations carried out by Sanaa in the Red Sea have changed the dynamics in the Middle East, especially as Egypt starts to perceive the danger of the repercussions impacting the Suez Canal.

According to The Times, Egypt's heightened involvement is influenced by developments occurring 1500 miles to its south. The attacks launched by the Yemeni Armed Forces on ships passing through Bab al-Mandab Strait and entering the Red Sea, in support of Palestinians in Gaza, have prompted ships to redirect their route around Africa instead of using the Suez Canal.

Earlier this month, three Egyptian security sources disclosed that Egypt is prioritizing efforts to broker a ceasefire before delving into post-war arrangements.

On January 9, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry expressed the immediate priorities for Gaza, emphasizing the importance of a ceasefire, the delivery of aid, and preventing the displacement of Gazans into Egypt.

Ceasefire, IOF withdrawal prerequisite to prisoner exchange: Al-Hindi

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad's (PIJ) Deputy Secretary General Mohammad al-Hindi told Al Mayadeen in a live interview, on December 22, that "the ongoing discussions in Cairo are aimed at assessing the entanglement of Israel and the United States in Gaza", adding "our stance is crystal clear that no prisoner exchange will take place until the aggression stops and the Zionist army withdraws from Gaza."

At the time, al-Hindi pointed to the role that Yemen had to play in support of the Palestinian people, spearheaded by the Sanaa government and the Yemeni Armed Forces. He said that its support for Palestine reflected the dignity and sincerity of the Yemeni nation.

The senior official did not express any surprise regarding Yemen's current position on Palestine, attributing it to the historic fulfillment of promises made by the Yemeni Armed Forces. Highlighting Yemen's increasing significance on the global stage, he pointed to the latent capabilities of the Arab nation and the discernible stance of other Arab states. Al-Hindi also expressed pride in Yemen's role both in leadership and as a people and underscored the unique nature of scenes witnessed in Sanaa distinguishing them from other Arab capitals.

It is worth noting that Sanaa has constantly reiterated that it would continue its operations in support of Palestinians until the Israeli aggression on Gaza comes to an end.