Egypt Daily News – President Sisi has urgently called for a ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza. Hehas stressed the need for an immediate, comprehensive, and permanent ceasefire in both areas during a phone conversation with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati today.
The escalation in Lebanon has reached alarming levels, with Israeli airstrikes resulting in the deaths of around 1,000 people, including many children, in just the past week.
This military activity coincides with the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has now lasted nearly a year and has resulted in over 41,500 fatalities and more than 96,200 injuries.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is worsening, with the region edging closer to famine due to the sustained conflict.
Egypt has been vocal in warning against the potential for the conflict to engulf the broader region, reminding the international community of the necessity to address the escalating violence that threatens peace and stability.
Following an Israeli airstrike that killed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, fears have grown regarding an escalated conflict, particularly after Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed to retaliate for Nasrallah’s death.
During his discussion with Prime Minister Mikati, President Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s solidarity with Lebanon and condemned any actions that threaten its sovereignty and security.
He highlighted the risk of regional destabilization if the international community does not act to halt aggressive actions in Palestinian territories and toward Lebanon.
The calls for de-escalation have been echoed by numerous world leaders, but Israel has rejected a ceasefire proposal supported by the US, France, and several Arab and European nations.
US President Joe Biden, while advocating for de-escalation, described Nasrallah’s assassination as justified, underscoring US support for Israel’s military actions against groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.
President Sisi has also directed immediate medical and relief aid to Lebanon, reinforcing Egypt’s commitment to assist its neighbor during this critical time.
Prime Minister Mikati expressed appreciation for Egypt’s support and reiterated his government’s commitment to de-escalating the situation.
The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon is compounded by previous Israeli operations, including an intelligence operation in mid-September that resulted in civilian casualties and injuries.
Current reports indicate that since the escalation began in October 2023, Israeli actions have led to a death toll of 1,640 and left over 8,408 individuals injured in Lebanon alone.
The rapidly deteriorating conditions in both Lebanon and Gaza continue to necessitate urgent international intervention and dialogue to prevent further loss of life and hardship for the affected populations.
