Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aaty announced on Tuesday that Egypt has been conducting intensive communications with regional and international parties to de-escalate tensions in the region and implement an immediate ceasefire.
During a joint press conference in Cairo with his Spanish counterpart, José Manuel Albares, Abdel Aaty condemned the Israeli aggression on Lebanon, stressing the need for an immediate ceasefire. He highlighted that the Israeli operations in Lebanon have displaced over 1.2 million people.
He emphasized the importance of Israel showing the political will to deploy the Lebanese army in the south, urging a ceasefire to ensure this can be achieved.
The minister also reiterated that security and stability in the region are unattainable without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. He revealed ongoing Egyptian efforts to secure ceasefires in both Gaza and Lebanon.
Abdel Aaty called on the international community to take firm and immediate action to stop Israel’s assault on Gaza, accusing Israel of using starvation as a tool of collective punishment against Palestinians. He also condemned the displacement of Palestinians from the West Bank and rejected Israeli actions in seizing land and buildings belonging to UNRWA.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank has worsened significantly since October 2023 due to the ongoing conflict. In Gaza, over 37,000 Palestinians have been killed, and thousands more injured, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian conditions. Essential services, such as access to water, sanitation, and healthcare, have deteriorated sharply, with UNRWA stepping in to provide emergency assistance, including food distribution, water supply, and psychological support for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and survivors of violence.
In the West Bank, violence continues to surge, with over 690 Palestinians killed between October 2023 and September 2024, including many children. Israeli military operations and the expansion of settlements have significantly altered the landscape, leading to further displacements and a breakdown in Palestinian governance structures. The international community has raised concerns over the rising instability, which threatens any progress towards a peaceful two-state solution.
Efforts to deliver humanitarian aid face constant obstacles, including restrictions on the entry of supplies and personnel into affected areas. The UN and international agencies are calling for greater humanitarian access and respect for international law to ensure aid can reach those in need.
