Egypt and Russia Push for Ceasefire in Gaza Amidst Ongoing Conflict
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held a press conference in Moscow on Monday, emphasizing the urgent need for a prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas, as well as a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Abdel Aty lamented the lack of 'political will' from certain parties, which he believes is hindering progress towards peace. He reiterated that without establishing a Palestinian state and halting aggression against the Palestinian people, stability in the region remains elusive. The Egyptian Minister expressed his frustration at the international community's silence regarding the suffering endured by the Palestinian people for over seven decades.
Abdel Aty also warned that aggressive Israeli policies could escalate tensions, potentially dragging the region into a broader conflict. He called for Israel to withdraw completely from Gaza, including control over the Rafah crossing and the Philadelphi corridor. Highlighting the economic impact of the ongoing conflict, he noted that Egypt is significantly affected by the escalation in the Red Sea, particularly due to losses incurred by the Suez Canal.
During the press conference, Lavrov praised Egypt's diplomatic efforts and accused the United States of obstructing resolutions in the UN Security Council aimed at stopping the violence. He described the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank as catastrophic and emphasized the need for a ceasefire based on UN resolutions and the two-state solution. The ongoing conflict, which escalated on October 7, has drawn international concern, yet Israel continues its military actions, disregarding calls for restraint from the global community.
