Israeli aggression on Gaza risks escalating tensions: Egyptian FM

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen English
18 Mar 2025 22:50

The Egyptian foreign minister has warned that the Israeli aggression on Gaza risks increasing tensions and destabilizing the region.

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A woman cries over the body of a relative killed during overnight Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, at the Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City, Tuesday, March 18, 2025 (AP)

"The Israeli aggression on Gaza is escalating tensions in the region and hindering the intense efforts aimed at achieving calm and restoring stability," Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said on Tuesday, in light of the Israeli decision to reignite the war on the Gaza Strip.

Abdelatty stressed the need for the European Union to pressure "Israel" into immediately halting its aggression against civilians in Gaza, condemning it as a "blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement," according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The statement further emphasized the "necessity for all parties to exercise restraint in order to allow mediators the opportunity to complete efforts to reach a permanent ceasefire in its three stages," confirming that "it has been agreed to continue communication and joint coordination to reduce the escalation in Gaza."

Earlier on Tuesday, Netanyahu stated that he had directed the military to take "strong action" against Hamas in Gaza, citing the Palestinian group's refusal to release captives and its rejection of ceasefire proposals.

"Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength," his office said.

The final approval to resume the Israeli war on Gaza was granted "unanimously" during security consultations revealed by Channel Kan 11, "Israel's" public broadcaster reported on Tuesday.

The consultations were attended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Security Minister Israel Katz, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar, Military Intelligence Director Shlomi Binder, and other senior officials, according to the broadcaster.

"All participants in the meeting fully supported the decision to launch an attack on Hamas after negotiations over the release of captives, mediated by Qatar, reached a deadlock," the report noted.

US President Donald Trump greenlit "Israel's" renewed war on Gaza after Hamas refused to release more captives, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing an Israeli official.