Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
In a renewed diplomatic push to halt the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reaffirmed Cairo’s unequivocal rejection of any expansion of Israeli military operations in the embattled territory. This declaration came during a phone conversation on Friday with Kaja Kallas, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union.
The call is part of a broader directive from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who has urged heightened international engagement to reach a ceasefire agreement and intensify humanitarian efforts in Gaza.
During their conversation, Abdelatty and Kallas discussed the rapidly evolving political, security, and humanitarian situation in Gaza. The Egyptian foreign minister expressed deep concern over Israel’s recent military escalation and condemned ongoing settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank. He also strongly criticized statements advocating the concept of a so-called “Greater Israel,” warning that such rhetoric and actions serve only to inflame tensions, destabilize the region, and hinder prospects for peace.
Abdelatty emphasized Egypt’s steadfast support for a political horizon that leads to a just and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian issue. He underscored the need to restore the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them the right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Reiterating Egypt’s commitment to securing a ceasefire, Abdelatty called for intensified international pressure, particularly from the European Union to ensure the unimpeded flow of humanitarian and medical aid into Gaza. He stressed that Israel bears full responsibility for opening all five land crossings into the territory and lifting the restrictive measures that have obstructed relief operations.
The foreign minister also briefed the EU representative on Egypt’s ongoing mediation efforts, conducted in coordination with Qatar and the United States. These talks aim to broker a comprehensive deal that would encompass a ceasefire, the facilitation of humanitarian aid, and a mutual release of hostages and detainees, including the exchange of Israeli hostages for a number of Palestinian prisoners.
Looking beyond the immediate crisis, Abdelatty highlighted plans underway to host an international conference in Cairo on early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza. The event is expected to take place promptly after a ceasefire is achieved, and will be organized in collaboration with key regional and international partners, including the European Union.
For her part, High Representative Kallas commended Egypt’s sustained efforts to mediate a de-escalation and alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the Palestinian people. She affirmed the European Union’s commitment to supporting peace initiatives and expressed the EU’s willingness to participate in the planned reconstruction conference. Kallas also voiced the EU’s intent to work closely with Egypt to facilitate humanitarian access and back diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a durable ceasefire.
As the humanitarian toll continues to mount in Gaza, Egypt positions itself at the center of international diplomacy, advocating for an immediate end to hostilities and a long-term solution rooted in justice and mutual recognition.
