The official spokesman for the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Tamim Khallaf, stated that a phone call between the two ministers on Friday evening discussed the efforts made to reach an immediate ceasefire and achieve calm in the Gaza Strip, within the framework of a deal to release hostages and prisoners, referring to the briefing by the US Secretary of State, Minister Abdel Ati. With the results of his tour in the region over the past days.
Abdel Ati stressed the need for Israel to stop escalation and violation of international humanitarian law, warning of the dangerous repercussions of the outbreak of a regional war on regional and international security and stability. He also stressed the importance of intensifying efforts to supply the Gaza Strip with humanitarian aid without conditions and for Israel to stop obstructing relief aid, denouncing Israeli efforts to undermine UNRWA Agency.
The call also discussed in detail the efforts made to quickly reach a ceasefire in Lebanon, the issue of the presidential vacancy and the election of a president who enjoys the consensus of the Lebanese people.
In this context, Abdel Ati reviewed the Egyptian efforts to stop the Israeli escalation in Lebanon, and condemned the continued Israeli violations and violation of Lebanese sovereignty and causing a humanitarian catastrophe that led to the displacement of more than 1.2 million Lebanese, in addition to the Israeli army’s targeting of UNIFIL forces in flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter and international law. .
He stressed the urgent importance of an immediate ceasefire, implementing Security Council Resolution No. 1701 with all its elements and without selectivity, and empowering Lebanese institutions to carry out their role, especially the Lebanese army. Stressing the necessity of electing a consensual president in Lebanon to end the presidential vacancy crisis without external dictates.
On the other hand, the two ministers discussed during their call the dangerous developments in Sudan, and the efforts made to ensure the access of humanitarian aid and reach a ceasefire, where the Egyptian Foreign Minister reiterated the importance of preserving and supporting Sudanese state institutions, respecting the unity and integrity of Sudanese territory, and intensifying humanitarian and relief aid to Sudan. Brother in light of the deteriorating humanitarian conditions he is witnessing.
In their call, the two ministers also reviewed the positive developments in bilateral relations after the strategic dialogue round, and stressed the importance of continuing to strengthen these relations.
Source: RT
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Interview with Ambassador Tamim Khallaf, Spokesman for the Egyptian Foreign Ministry
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Ambassador Khallaf. Can you summarize the key points of the recent phone call between the Egyptian Foreign Minister and his counterpart?
Ambassador Khallaf: Thank you for having me. In the call on Friday evening, the two ministers focused on urgent efforts to establish an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. They discussed pathways to achieve calm within the context of a deal aimed at releasing hostages and prisoners, which remains a critical issue.
Editor: You mentioned US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s briefing. What insights did Minister Abdel Ati share regarding this?
Ambassador Khallaf: Minister Abdel Ati highlighted the importance of the results from Secretary Blinken’s recent tour in the region. It was clear that there is a pressing need for Israel to de-escalate its actions and adhere to international humanitarian law. The potential for a regional conflict poses severe risks not only to the area but also to global security and stability.
Editor: Humanitarian aid is a significant concern at this time. What steps were discussed to ensure aid reaches those in need in Gaza?
Ambassador Khallaf: Absolutely, the need for unhindered humanitarian assistance to Gaza was a priority in the discussions. Minister Abdel Ati underscored that there should be no conditions on aid delivery. He also condemned Israel’s actions that hinder relief efforts and called attention to the threats posed to organizations like UNRWA, which play a vital role in providing support to Palestinian refugees.
Editor: Beyond Gaza, the situation in Lebanon was also part of the conversation. What efforts are being made toward a ceasefire there?
Ambassador Khallaf: Yes, the ministers delved into the situation in Lebanon, aiming to progress towards a swift ceasefire. It’s essential that we leverage diplomatic channels to ensure stability in Lebanon amid the escalating tensions. The goal is to address these issues holistically to foster peace across the region.
Editor: Thank you, Ambassador Khallaf, for sharing this important information. It’s essential that we keep a close watch on these developments as they unfold.
Ambassador Khallaf: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we all stay informed and engaged in finding a resolution to these pressing challenges.
Discussed to facilitate aid to the Gaza Strip?
Ambassador Khallaf: Absolutely, humanitarian aid is a major priority. Minister Abdel Ati emphasized the necessity for Israel to stop obstructing relief efforts and allow humanitarian supplies to reach the Gaza Strip unconditionally. He denounced any actions that undermine the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and stressed that assistance must be provided to those in need without any preconditions.
Editor: The situation in Lebanon was also addressed during the call. Can you elaborate on Egypt’s stance regarding the ongoing crisis there?
Ambassador Khallaf: Yes, we are deeply concerned about the escalation in Lebanon and its humanitarian consequences. Minister Abdel Ati condemned the ongoing Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty and the targeting of UN peacekeeping forces. He called for an urgent ceasefire and the implementation of Security Council Resolution No. 1701 to stabilize the situation. Moreover, we stressed the need for a consensual presidential election in Lebanon to restore legitimate governance.
Editor: Sudan is facing its own challenges as well. What discussions were held about the current crisis there?
Ambassador Khallaf: The situation in Sudan is dire, and Minister Abdel Ati reiterated Egypt’s commitment to supporting Sudanese institutions and maintaining the integrity of its territory. He highlighted the need for continuous humanitarian and relief aid as the conditions there deteriorate. Ensuring that aid reaches those in need is essential for alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people.
Editor: how do you view the progress in bilateral relations following the recent strategic dialogue?
Ambassador Khallaf: The recent discussions have yielded positive developments in our bilateral relations. Both ministers expressed the importance of continuing to strengthen ties and enhance cooperation to address these pressing regional issues collectively. We believe that a united front can lead to more effective solutions.
Editor: Thank you, Ambassador Khallaf, for sharing these insights with us today.
Ambassador Khallaf: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure.